Figure · 1 day ago
Staff Polymers Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
10+ years expFigure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid. The Polymers Engineer will own the selection, development, and validation of softgoods materials used across the robot platform, ensuring safety, durability, and manufacturability.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)HardwareIndustrial AutomationRobotics
Responsibilities
Identify, evaluate, and specify polymers, elastomers, and softgoods materials for tactile surfaces, protective interfaces, overmold regions, joint covers, and user-contact areas
Engage manufacturers, chemical suppliers, and fabricators to explore off-the-shelf materials or develop custom formulations, blends, durometers, or coatings
Create detailed material specifications, including durometer, modulus, abrasion resistance, tear strength, compression set, creep, chemical resistance, outgassing, UV stability, and finish quality
Build CMF/texture/touch standards where material feel and user perception matter
Develop and maintain material-level BOMs, datasheets, and qualification documentation
Lead benchtop material prototyping using molding, casting, thermoforming, lamination, and overmolding processes
Evaluate tactile feel, stretch, stiffness, damping, thermal behavior, and real-world durability of softgoods
Work with CMs and REL team to define and run accelerated life tests: cyclic fatigue, wear, chemical exposure, abrasion, and environmental aging
Define and execute DOEs to explore material blends, thicknesses, textiles, coatings, or overmold geometries
Analyze test data and present clear conclusions that guide design and vendor decisions
Work closely with material vendors and contract manufacturers on feasibility, cost, tooling, color-matching, durometer tuning, and process optimization
Drive DFM/DFA for polymer parts, fabrics, and elastomeric assemblies
Support early material trials, PPAP/FAI, and scale-up at domestic and international suppliers
Partner with ID to achieve aesthetic, tactile, and brand objectives
Support robot builds, evaluate in-field failure modes, and continuously improve material robustness
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience in polymer engineering, materials science, softgoods, or related mechanical/materials development
Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or similar
Strong understanding of polymer mechanics, elastomers, rheology, softgoods construction, and material processing
Experience running structured material tests and DOEs with clear data analysis
Proficiency in documenting material properties, specifications, and test results
Preferred
Experience with softgoods/CMF development for consumer electronics, wearables, robotics, or automotive interiors
Familiarity with silicone molding, TPU/TPE, LSR, nylon fabrics, knit structures, foams, and hybrid composites
Knowledge of overmolding onto metal or plastic substrates
Experience collaborating with textile mills, polymer chemists, or materials R&D teams
Experience designing and interpreting environmental, chemical, and durability testing
Understanding of color science, texture development, and tactile perception
CATIA V6 experience
Company
Figure
Figure is an AI robotics company that develops autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$1.85BKey Investors
Parkway Venture CapitalIntel CapitalBrett Adcock
2025-09-16Series C· $1B
2024-02-24Series B· $675M
2023-07-17Series Unknown· $9M
Leadership Team
Brett Adcock
Founder
Recent News
2025-12-29
globalventuring.com
2025-12-27
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