Senior Polymer Chemist

1d1 day ago

Palo Alto, US · Full-time · $142,600 – $265,100

About this role

Since its founding in 2015, 1X has been at the forefront of developing advanced humanoid robots designed for household use. Our mission is to create an abundant supply of labor through safe, intelligent humanoids. We strive for excellence, solving hard problems in robotics with talented individuals.

Every part of our robots is designed and produced in house, from motor coils to AI, reflecting our vertically integrated approach. We seek a Polymer Chemist passionate about designing, formulating, and understanding soft matter systems for robotic touch, durability, and safety. This role translates chemistry into functional materials for biomechanical and robotic applications.

You will create next-generation elastomers, gels, adhesives, coatings, and functional additives for sensing layers, protective skins, and compliant structures. Collaborate closely with experts in materials science, physics, modeling, biomechanics, mechanical design, and manufacturing. Bring breakthrough material concepts from molecular design to production-ready reality.

At 1X, you will own real projects, be recognized for achievements, and be rewarded based on merit. Stay current with polymer science, smart materials, advanced curing chemistries, and emerging research. Continually enhance material performance to push boundaries in robotics.

Requirements

PhD Degree in chemistry, polymer science, chemical engineering, or a related field
2+ years in industry or postdoc roles directly related to organic synthesis, polymerization, cross-linking, novel micro and macrostructures, functionalization and self-assembly
Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and crosslinking reactions including thermal, photochemical, and reversible chemistries
Hands-on experience synthesizing, mixing, curing, or processing polymer systems
Experience with characterization techniques including tensile testing, viscoelastic analysis, rheology, and thermal analysis

Responsibilities

Design and synthesize novel polymers tailored for sensing, compliance, impact absorption, and long-term durability in robotic applications
Develop and optimize crosslinking strategies including Diels Alder systems, UV initiated radical reactions, thiol ene chemistry, and condensation cure mechanisms
Formulate material compositions to achieve specific properties such as softness, stretchability, toughness, resilience, adhesion, and stability
Establish processing methods for mixing, curing, casting, coating, laminating, and scale sensitive material handling
Conduct mechanical and chemical characterization including tensile testing, viscoelastic analysis, fatigue testing, rheology, thermal analysis, and adhesion testing
Work closely with materials scientists and modeling engineers to link molecular structure and crosslinking behavior to predictive performance models
Partner with mechanical and industrial design teams to integrate polymer materials into skins, covers, sensors, and compliant structural elements
Evaluate new monomers, oligomers, fillers, catalysts, and commercial raw materials to expand soft matter toolkit

Benefits

Own real projects with recognition for achievements
Rewarded based on merit
Work with the world’s most talented individuals in vertically integrated robotics development