Biomechanics Researcher

Your Charter

Define what human-level performance means in quantitative, engineering-relevant terms and translate those insights into specifications that guide the development of humanoid robots.

You will study biological systems to understand how they generate force, absorb energy, sense contact, maintain stability, and adapt to changing environments. From those observations, you'll develop performance models, scaling laws, and engineering targets that influence the design of actuators, sensors, materials, mechanisms, and control systems.

As a Biomechanics Researcher, your work will help ensure that engineering decisions remain grounded in the realities of biological performance rather than arbitrary technical metrics.

Key Outcomes

• Develop quantitative performance models that define human-level capability across locomotion, manipulation, sensing, and physical interaction
• Establish engineering specifications and benchmarks derived from biological systems that directly influence hardware and software development
• Design and execute experiments that reveal the mechanisms underlying biological performance and adaptation
• Identify performance gaps between robotic systems and biological reference systems, providing actionable guidance for closing them
• Enable cross-functional teams to make better design decisions by translating biological insights into practical engineering constraints and opportunities

Key Competencies

• Deep expertise in biomechanics and biological performance analysis
• Ability to translate biological observations into engineering models, specifications, and design requirements
• Strong experimental mindset with experience designing, instrumenting, and analyzing complex physical systems
• Ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines including robotics, controls, materials, sensing, and mechanical systems
• Intellectual rigor combined with the ability to operate effectively in highly ambiguous research environments

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise beyond descriptive biomechanics, with a focus on modeling, quantitative analysis, or engineering applications
• Strong secondary background or hands-on experience in robotics, controls, materials, mechanical systems, or related engineering disciplines
• Proven ability to translate biological insights into actionable engineering specifications or performance targets
• Strong experimental experience, including test design, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis

Preferred Skills

• Experience developing quantitative models of biological motion, force generation, sensing, or adaptation
• Experience working with robotics, electromechanical systems, or advanced hardware platforms
• Familiarity with CAD, simulation environments, and engineering analysis tools
• Strong proficiency in Python or similar tools for modeling, analysis, and scientific computing

Experience studying biological materials, soft tissues, tactile systems, or locomotion dynamics

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.

Within 1X Labs, successful researchers are deeply grounded in their domain while remaining capable of influencing adjacent fields. They use evidence to drive decisions, seek fundamental understanding rather than surface-level optimization, and care deeply about whether their insights survive contact with real systems, real products, and real-world constraints.

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