Your Charter

Own the audio hardware and firmware systems that enable seamless communication between humans and robots.

You will design, integrate, and optimize microphone and speaker systems while partnering closely with software teams developing signal processing, machine learning, and perception capabilities. Your work will span concept development, prototyping, validation, system integration, and production deployment, ensuring high-quality audio performance across diverse environments and operating conditions.

Your contributions will directly impact NEO's ability to hear, understand, and communicate effectively with the people around it.

Key Outcomes

• Deliver microphone and speaker systems that achieve robust performance across real-world acoustic environments
• Improve speech capture quality, localization accuracy, and overall audio reliability through iterative testing and optimization
• Successfully integrate audio hardware with signal processing, VAD, DOA, noise suppression, and machine learning pipelines
• Establish validation methodologies and performance metrics that support product readiness and production deployment
• Drive audio system performance improvements through field testing, data analysis, and cross-functional engineering collaboration

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of audio hardware design, acoustics, and electroacoustic system integration
• Strong hands-on engineering skills with the ability to prototype, test, debug, and validate hardware systems
• Ability to bridge hardware and software domains, collaborating effectively on signal processing and machine learning workflows
• Strong analytical mindset with experience interpreting performance data and driving design improvements
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Extensive experience designing audio hardware systems, including microphones, speakers, and associated signal chains
• Strong hands-on experience with audio measurement and validation equipment
• Experience working with real-time audio streaming systems and digital signal processing techniques
• Understanding of noise reduction, audio enhancement, and speech capture optimization methodologies
• Ability to analyze test data and drive iterative improvements to system performance
• Experience collaborating closely with software, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality user experiences
• Ability to work full-time on-site

Preferred Skills

• Experience with embedded systems and firmware development fundamentals
• Experience applying machine learning techniques to audio processing problems
• Background developing consumer electronics products
• Experience designing and supporting factory-level audio test systems and manufacturing validation processes
• Familiarity with voice interaction systems, beamforming, speech enhancement, or audio perception technologies
• Experience supporting products from prototype development through volume production

What 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.

Successful Audio Systems Engineers at 1X combine deep technical expertise with relentless curiosity about how humans communicate. They are equally comfortable tuning a microphone array in the lab, analyzing field data, collaborating with machine learning engineers, and debugging hardware prototypes. They understand that great audio systems emerge through rigorous testing, careful iteration, and close integration across hardware and software.

Compensation Range

$173,861 - $240,000 + Equity

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
• 401(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) options
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
• Onsite snacks and catered lunches