Test & Validation Engineer – Motors & Actuators

About 1X

We’re an AI and robotics company based in Palo Alto, California, on a mission to build a truly abundant society through general‑purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously.

We believe that to truly understand the world and grow in intelligence, humanoid robots must live and learn alongside us. That’s why we’re focused on developing friendly home robots designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life.

We’re looking for curious, driven, and passionate people who want to help shape the future of robotics and AI. If this mission excites you, we’d be thrilled to hear from you and explore how you might contribute to our journey.

We are looking for a Test & Validation Engineer to own the characterization, testing, and validation of electric motors and robotic actuators. In this role, you will design and operate test setups, generate high‑quality data, and work closely with electrical, mechanical, and controls engineers to ensure actuator performance, reliability, and robustness.

You will play a key role in turning prototypes into validated systems by building repeatable tests, uncovering edge cases, and providing actionable feedback to design teams. This role sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and data. You will also closely collaborate with other test engineers in other teams and on robot system level.

• Develop, operate, and maintain motor and actuator test setups, including dynos and custom test rigs
• Define and execute test plans for performance, efficiency, thermal behavior, and robustness
• Characterize motors and actuators across operating envelopes
• Automate tests and data collection where appropriate
• Analyze test data and present clear insights to engineering teams
• Support hardware bring‑up, debugging, and failure analysis
• Collaborate with control and firmware engineers to validate control performance
• Contribute to regression testing for hardware and firmware changes
• Document test procedures, results, and lessons learned

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
• Experience testing electromechanical systems or power electronics
• Hands‑on experience with lab equipment and test setups
• Strong data analysis skills and attention to detail
• Ability to design tests that answer real engineering questions
• Comfortable working with hardware, software, and multidisciplinary teams

• Experience with motor dynos or actuator test benches
• Familiarity with motor control concepts
• Experience with test automation or scripting
• Exposure to reliability or lifetime testing

• Salary Range: $95,000 – $142,600
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.