5-7 years of experience in rapid prototyping and debugging custom hardware in robotics or similar fields.
Strong understanding of low-voltage and mixed-signal circuits, connectors, and sensors.
Proven ability to document procedures, test plans, and diagnostics clearly and concisely.
Experience collaborating across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to resolve complex issues.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with shifting priorities.
Experience in designing for manufacturability and reliability in robotics is advantageous.
Familiarity with automated testing and diagnostic tools in hardware labs.
Responsibilities
Lead troubleshooting of complex electrical issues in humanoid robot prototypes and share insights with engineering teams.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers on prototype design and assembly, focusing on electromechanical integrations.
Create and maintain test procedures and troubleshooting guides to ensure efficient prototyping processes.
Design and iterate on cable assemblies and test jigs for dynamic robotic platforms.
Identify opportunities for process improvement to enhance test and repair efficiency.
Contribute to feedback loops across design, build, and test phases to improve manufacturability.
Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
23 days of PTO, separate sick leave, and paid company holidays.
401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match.
Equity options for employees to share in the company's success.
Free daily catered lunch, snacks, and drinks in the office.
Opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in AI and robotics.
Autonomy to influence product direction and lead key initiatives.
Full Job Description
About The Role
We're hiring a Senior Prototype Engineer to join our Hardware team based in Boston. This is a hands-on role where you will rapidly iterate, assemble, diagnose, and evolve advanced robotic platforms for real-world use.
What You'll Do
Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex electrical issues in prototype humanoid robots, including operational and in-development systems; perform detailed failure analysis and share learnings with hardware/software engineering teams.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineers on prototype design, assembly, and bring-up, especially high-density electromechanical integrations.
Create, maintain, and execute clear test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and repair runbooks for the prototyping lab to ensure high standards and rapid iteration cycles.
Design, document, and iterate on cable assemblies, test jigs, and harnesses optimized for repeated use on dynamic robotic platforms.
Identify and own opportunities for continuous process and product improvement-minimizing downtime and improving test/repair efficiency.
Contribute to robust feedback loops across design, build, and test, driving first-pass yield and manufacturability.
What We're Looking For
Demonstrated experience in rapid physical prototyping, hands-on debug of custom hardware, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems in robotics or similar domains.
Working knowledge of low-voltage and mixed-signal circuits, connectors, sensors, and compact electromechanical systems.
Track record communicating concisely via documentation-procedures, test plans, diagnostics, and lessons learned.
Adept collaborating across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering boundaries to solve urgent, ambiguous issues.
Comfortable in a high-velocity, high-ambiguity startup setting where priorities shift fast.
Experience designing for manufacturability and reliability in the context of human-sized or mobile robotics is a plus.
Familiarity with automated test and diagnostic tools used in modern hardware labs.
What We Offer
Comprehensive health coverage for US-based employees, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with virtual care and employee assistance resources.
Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of PTO (accrued), separate sick leave, and paid company holidays.
401(k) retirement plan with 4% employer match.
Equity included-we believe builders should share in what they build.
Free daily catered lunch, snacks, and drinks in-office.
Collaboration with top-tier engineers, researchers, and product experts in AI and robotics.
Freedom to influence the product and own key initiatives.
For this role in Massachusetts, the expected base salary range is $115K-$160K USD per year; your placement in that range depends on how your experience maps to our internal leveling.
About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is an American engineering and robotics design company founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company is best known for the development of BigDog, a quadruped robot designed for the U.S. military. Boston Dynamics has also developed a number of other robots, including Spot, a four-legged robot designed for indoor and outdoor operation, and Atlas, a humanoid robot designed for a variety of search and rescue tasks. In 2013, the company was acquired by Google X, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. In 2020, the company was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group. Boston Dynamics is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
