Back

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

Boston DynamicsBoston Dynamics·Robotics

Compensation

$ 135,000 - $180,000 annually

Apply effort

<60 sec

via Aplyr Quick Apply

01

About the role

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer - Atlas Actuation Technology

 

We are looking for a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the transition of high-performance Actuator Products from architecture to robust, mass-production hardware on next-generation humanoid robotic platforms. This role sits at the intersection of complex mechanical design and industrialization, shaping how high-torque-density electromechanical systems are matured, integrated, and brought to life at scale. The actuators enable our robots to move and accomplish their complex work - this is a critical role on the Atlas team.

You will be responsible for the technical leadership of specific actuator product lines, ensuring designs meet all performance and reliability targets while fostering the professional growth of a team of design engineers through the rigor of production release.
 

What You’ll Do:

  • Technical Leadership: Guide the mechanical design and release for actuator products, overseeing technical execution from initial architecture through to manufacturing.
     

  • Production Excellence: Facilitate CAD completion and lead the generation of comprehensive drawing packages, utilizing advanced GD&T and 1D/3D tolerance analysis to ensure high-quality builds.
     

  • Collaborative Design (DFx): Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for assembly, cost, and long-term reliability.
     

  • Mentorship & Development: Support and mentor early-career and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance, conducting thoughtful design reviews, and fostering an inclusive team environment.
     

  • Risk Stewardship: Manage technical risk through FMEAs, validation planning, and detailed due diligence on moving assemblies (gears, bearings, seals, and shafts).
     

What You Bring:

  • Production Rigor: A track record of bringing complex electromechanical assemblies from architecture through production release in high-rigor environments (e.g., automotive, aerospace, or medical devices).
     

  • Technical Stewardship: High proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA preferred) and PLM, with a commitment to detailed documentation, GD&T, and tolerance stack analysis.
     

  • Thoughtful Judgment: Ability to resolve ambiguous design challenges and balance innovation with practical manufacturing constraints.
     

  • Interpersonal Influence: Experience leading cross-functional efforts and building alignment across technical teams through collaboration and clear communication.
     

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
     

  • Professional experience in electromechanical product design and launch (typically 7+ years).

     

10%-20% international travel required to support the global supplier and partner network for actuator products.

 

The pay range for this position is between $135,000 - $180,000 annually. Base pay will depend on multiple individualized factors including, but not limited to internal equity, job related knowledge, skills and experience. This range represents a good faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Boston Dynamics offers a generous Benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401(k), paid time off and a annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.


 

02

Aplyr's read

Boston Dynamics is a pioneering robotics firm pushing the boundaries of robotic mobility and manipulation with a team of innovative engineers and scientists.

Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

  • Boston Dynamics is at the forefront of robotics innovation, creating cutting-edge robots like Spot and Atlas.
  • The company offers diverse roles, from engineering to marketing, reflecting its multifaceted approach to robotics.
  • Boston Dynamics is backed by Hyundai Motor Group, providing financial stability and strategic collaboration opportunities.

What to watch

  • The niche focus on advanced robotics may limit opportunities for those outside engineering and technical fields.
  • High competition in the robotics sector could impact Boston Dynamics' market share and growth.
  • The company's products are often expensive, potentially restricting market penetration and adoption.

Why Boston Dynamics

  • Boston Dynamics' robots are renowned for their mobility and dexterity, setting them apart from competitors.
  • The company has a strong focus on research and development, driving continuous innovation.
  • Boston Dynamics combines robotics with AI, enhancing the functionality and adaptability of its products.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

03

About Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics is an engineering and robotics company known for developing advanced robots that can navigate complex environments and perform a variety of tasks.

04

Similar roles