Boston Dynamics

Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Boston Dynamics$135K — $170K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related field; Master’s or PhD preferred.
  • 8-15 years of experience in process engineering, ideally in robotics, aerospace, or electromechanical systems.
  • Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA) for designing tools and reviewing engineering drawings.
  • Demonstrated DFM/DFA collaboration experience with design teams.
  • Hands-on experience with custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures for mechanical assembly.
  • Familiarity with precision assembly techniques and GD&T principles.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and implement production processes for Atlas from prototype to low-volume production.
  • Design and implement production system tools like material flow diagrams and automation integrations.
  • Collaborate with Hardware Engineering for manufacturability input during product development.
  • Design custom fixtures and tools to support precision assembly of robotic components.
  • Define assembly sequences and create documentation including SOPs and training materials.
  • Troubleshoot assembly issues during prototype builds and implement corrective actions.
  • Develop inspection and testing processes to ensure product quality.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on groundbreaking robotic technologies.
  • Collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group for enhanced manufacturing insights.
  • Hands-on role in prototype builds and practical problem-solving.
  • Dynamic and innovative work environment allowing for creative engineering solutions.
Full Job Description

Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer

We are looking for an expert Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer to support the Atlas program, helping to transform groundbreaking research prototypes into reliable, scalable systems for manufacturing and field deployment.

About the Role:

As a Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a critical role in the optimization and scale-up of low-volume production processes, assembly workflows, and custom tooling to support the assembly, test, and integration of our next-generation humanoid robot. You will work closely with Hardware Engineering, Prototype Operations, Systems Engineering, Behavior and Software teams to ensure that cutting-edge designs can be efficiently and reliably built in a prototype and low-volume production environment.

This role requires expert-level technical expertise in cradle-to-grave process implementation, large production system/value-stream design, and an innovative spirit to bridge the gap between product design and manufacturing execution. You will oversee automation equipment, fixture, tool, and jig design and implementation to ensure process repeatability and product quality for Atlas builds. This role will also interface with our parent company, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), leveraging their deep manufacturing expertise in the automotive sector.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, optimize, and implement rate production processes and assembly workflows for Atlas, from prototype through low-volume production with a focus on scaling for future production needs.

  • Design and implement production system tools including material flow diagrams, value stream maps, floor layouts, and automation integrations.

  • Collaborate with Hardware Engineering to provide DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly) input throughout product development, ensuring manufacturability and serviceability.

  • Design, fabricate, and validate custom fixtures, tools, and jigs to support mechanical assembly, precision alignment, and testing of electric motors and actuators, ensuring ergonomic and repeatable processes.

  • Define assembly sequences, work instructions, and process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), visual aids, and training materials for assembly technicians.

  • Support prototype builds in a hands-on capacity, troubleshooting assembly issues, identifying root causes, and driving corrective actions to improve processes and product designs.

  • Implement process controls to ensure build quality, dimensional accuracy, and alignment with product performance requirements.

  • Develop and implement inspection and test processes, including first article inspections (FAI), in-process quality checks, and final acceptance criteria.

  • Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure external fabrication and supplier processes align with internal manufacturing requirements and quality standards.

  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve process efficiency, reduce cycle times, and increase yield.

  • Drive tooling and equipment validation, ensuring custom fixtures and tools are fully qualified for use in production, including performing capability studies where necessary.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Masters degree or PhD a plus.

  • At least 8-15 years of relevant experience in Process engineering, process development, or advanced manufacturing, preferably in robotics, aerospace, or complex electromechanical systems.

  • Expert-level proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for tool/fixture design and review of engineering drawings.

  • Proven track record of DFM/DFA collaboration with design teams to drive manufacturable and serviceable product designs.

  • Hands-on experience developing and validating custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support precision mechanical assembly.

  • Experience developing and validating custom automation equipment to support precision mechanical assembly and improve process efficiency.

  • Experience writing clear, concise, and detailed work instructions, SOPs, and training materials for assembly technicians.

  • Familiarity with precision assembly techniques, including alignment, shimming, fastening, sealing, and torque control for complex assemblies.

  • Experience working in prototype, low-volume, or high-mix production environments, with an ability to adapt processes for evolving product designs.

  • Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and its application in both design and inspection processes.

  • Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies to drive process improvement.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electromechanical assemblies.

  • Comfortable working in cross-functional teams, balancing technical, schedule, and cost considerations in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts and influence stakeholders across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.

  • Experience supporting on-site prototype builds and providing direct manufacturing floor support.

  • Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, machining (e.g. Mill, Lathe) and fabrication (e.g. Welding, Grinding, Bending) techniques for fixture development.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience developing and documenting CNC machining processes for novel materials and manufacturing methods including specialized gear manufacturing.

  • Experience supporting humanoid or robotic development programs.

  • Familiarity with precision motion systems, actuators, and advanced sensors.

  • Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for engineering change control and manufacturing documentation management.

  • Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for production floor management, process control and visual management.

  • Background working with external design firms, contract manufacturers, or suppliers for tool and fixture development.

  • Experience working in a research-to-product transition environment, where designs and processes evolve rapidly.

  • TWI Job Instruction and/or Job Methods certified

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas for this position.

The salary or hourly pay range for this position will be clearly stated in the job posting as required by Massachusetts law. The base pay range for this position is between $135,000.00 $170,000. 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 will never ask you to divulge your personal financial or account information as part of its recruiting process.

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.
Learn more about Boston Dynamics
Size
300 employees
Industry
Founded
1992

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