The posting
SR. BUYER, STRUCTURES
Department: Supply Chain Location: San Carlos, CA
ABOUT 1X
We’re building humanoid robots that work in home - doing the chores, handling the tasks, and giving people their time back. Simple, but it’s not.
To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, manufacturing - at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe enough to live with your family. If you’re inspired by this, you’ll thrive here. We’ve been at this since 2014 and we’re at the point where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is in front of us.
NEO is our flagship - a home robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside real people. We’re not demoing it - we’re shipping it. We’re excited to meet you, if this excites you.
If you’ve spent your career working on problems that matter and want to see them actually reach the world - this is that moment. We’re scaling, we’re hiring with intention, and we need people who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time - safely creating abundance for all.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Supply Chain team at 1X is responsible for building and scaling the global supplier network that powers our humanoid robots. We work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to bring highly complex electromechanical systems from concept to mass production.
As part of the Supply Chain organization, you will help ensure our products can scale from prototype to volume production through robust supplier partnerships, operational excellence, and proactive risk management. Your work directly impacts product performance, cost, quality, and our ability to successfully ramp NEO at scale.
YOUR CHARTER
As the Sr.Buyer for structures you will own executing the sourcing strategy, managing and developing commercial relationships, and ensuring supply continuity for structural components that form the foundation of NEO’s mechanical architecture. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supplier Development teams to build a resilient global supply base capable of delivering high-quality structural systems at scale while supporting aggressive product development and production objectives.
KEY OUTCOMES
- Execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities that deliver competitive cost, quality, capacity, and technology advantages across structural commodities.
- Manage supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
- Support new product introduction through supplier selection, tooling management, and production readiness.
- Identify supply risks and work cross-functionally to implement mitigation plans.
- Drive cost reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations and value engineering.
- Build strong supplier partnerships that support production and future product development.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Good understanding of structural manufacturing processes including die casting, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, plastics, and composites.
- Experience with sourcing hardware, bearings, and adhesives/consumables.
- Strong communication and supplier relationship management skills.
- Ability to analyze supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, and cost drivers.
- Data-driven problem solving using supplier performance metrics and cost analysis.
- Effective collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related discipline.
- 2-4 years of experience in global sourcing, supply chain management, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or procurement.
- Experience supporting suppliers for mechanical or structural components.
- Experience working with Engineering and Manufacturing teams during product development or production.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Experience sourcing aluminum or magnesium die castings, cosmetic components, and precision mechanical assemblies.
- Familiarity with DFM and DFA principles.
- Experience supporting suppliers in Asia.
- Mandarin language skills are a plus.
- Exposure to consumer electronics, automotive, robotics, or similar industries.
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.
COMPENSATION RANGE
$120,000- $165,000 per year + 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
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
1X 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.
