Your CharterThe mission of this role is to make 1X actuators producible at scale: reliably, repeatably, and at a cost that lets NEO reach homes. You'll own critical processes from prototype through production, including machining, assembly, inspection, and validation. Many of these problems haven't been solved before. You'll question convention, test ideas quickly, learn from the floor, and turn what works into dependable production systems. The standard is high, the feedback is physical, and no one is above picking up a tool.
Key Outcomes- Own actuator manufacturing processes from prototype builds through production release, and be accountable for safety, first-pass yield, quality, and throughput in your areas.
- Partner with design engineering as the manufacturing voice in design reviews, giving DFM, DFA, and DFT feedback, checking tolerances against demonstrated process capability, and driving the changes that make actuators producible at volume.
- Build and qualify the equipment, fixtures, tooling, gauging, and automated workstations for actuator assembly, using DOE, MSA/GR&R, SPC, and capability studies to prove each process before release.
- Deliver end-of-line functional test and traceability, so every actuator ships with station-level pass/fail data tied to its full process history.
- Drive down cost, cycle time, and scrap through automation, line balancing, and root-cause corrective action, backed by PFMEAs, control plans, and work instructions that run the floor.
Key Competencies- Hands-on builder who develops methods at the station alongside technicians and debugs on the floor, not from a desk.
- Rigorous with data, using DOE, SPC, capability studies, yield, and OEE to prove a change worked.
- Structured problem solver who gets to true root cause under time pressure and closes the loop with controls that hold.
- Strong DFM, DFA, and tolerance instincts, with the credibility to change actuator design early.
- Owns outcomes end to end and communicates directly across design, quality, controls, supply chain, and production.
Minimum Requirements- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years (Bachelor's) or 3+ years (Master's) of manufacturing, process, or test engineering on electromechanical products. (Confirm against leveling.)
- Experience developing and improving assembly processes for motors, actuators, or other tight-tolerance electromechanical systems.
- Proven track record of taking a process or piece of equipment from concept through commissioning, validation, and production release.
- Experience with CAD, engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups for precision mechanical interfaces.
- Demonstrated ability to qualify processes and lead root cause analysis using DOE, MSA/GR&R, SPC, and process capability.
Preferred Skills- Experience with vacuum potting.
- Experience in electric motor manufacturing processes such as coil winding, lamination stack assembly, magnet installation, welding, molding, impregnation, or resin and adhesive dispense.
- Experience with automated or semi-automated equipment, PLC-controlled systems, and machine vision inspection. (Moved from Minimum Requirements; hiring manager to confirm.)
- Exposure to high-volume automation, robotic material handling, and precision gauging.
What does a successful 1X Team Member look likeTeam 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.
Compensation Range$140,000 - $190,000 + 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
