Tactile Sensing Researcher / EngineerAdvance tactile sensing toward human-level capability by developing sensing systems that capture the structure and dynamics of physical contact, not merely the presence of touch.You will take promising tactile sensing technologies and push them through repeated cycles of design, fabrication, testing, and refinement. Your work will focus on understanding fundamental performance limits, eliminating bottlenecks, and systematically improving sensing performance across spatial resolution, temporal response, dynamic range, robustness, and durability.As a Tactile Sensing Researcher / Engineer, you'll help create the sensing foundation required for dexterous manipulation and meaningful interaction with the physical world.Key OutcomesDeliver successive generations of tactile sensing systems that demonstrate measurable improvements in sensing performance and robustnessEstablish rigorous benchmarking methodologies against human tactile capabilities and other state-of-the-art sensing technologiesIdentify and overcome fundamental limitations in tactile sensing architectures, materials, and transduction approachesGenerate experimental evidence that guides research decisions and enables confident technology down-selectionSuccessfully transition promising tactile sensing concepts into viable paths for integration with robotic manipulation systemsKey CompetenciesDeep expertise in tactile sensing, sensing systems, or closely related research domainsStrong experimental mindset with a focus on measurement quality, repeatability, and evidence-driven decision makingAbility to work across materials, mechanics, electronics, and system integration challengesExceptional hands-on prototyping, fabrication, and testing skillsPersistence and intellectual rigor when solving difficult technical problems with no obvious solutionsMinimum RequirementsPhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, or a closely related fieldDemonstrated high-impact contributions to tactile sensing or related sensing technologies through publications, patents, deployed systems, or equivalent technical achievementsProven experience developing sensing technologies through multiple generations of design, fabrication, and validationStrong hands-on experience building and testing physical sensing systemsTrack record of identifying and overcoming fundamental performance limitations in sensing technologiesPreferred SkillsExperience working with soft, compliant, or bio-inspired materials in sensing applicationsExperience designing custom experimental setups for sensor characterization and benchmarkingFamiliarity with robotic manipulation, dexterous hands, or human-machine interaction systemsExperience developing custom electronics, transduction systems, or signal-processing pipelines for sensing applicationsBackground in biomechanics, neuroscience, haptics, or biologically inspired sensing systemsWhat Does a Successful 1X Team Member Look Like?Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it's the one thing you can't get back - because it is.
They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.Within 1X Labs, the strongest researchers combine deep technical expertise with a relentless commitment to reality. They use experiments to settle debates, push systems until they reveal their true limits, and care as much about understanding failure as they do about achieving success.
Research matters because it changes what the robot can do.Compensation Range$200,000 - $250,000 + EquityBenefitsComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageGenerous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) optionsCommuter benefits (transit and parking)Short-term and long-term disability, and life insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal supportOnsite snacks and catered lunchesEqual Opportunity Employer1X 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, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.