Boston Dynamics

Staff Sustaining Mechanical Engineer

Boston Dynamics$120K — $145K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, particularly in robotics or complex electromechanical systems.
  • Proven leadership experience in major subsystem or full mechanical product designs.
  • Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes suitable for robotics (e.g., CNC machining, 3D printing).
  • Expert proficiency in CATIA or equivalent design software.

Responsibilities

  • Drive initiatives to enhance reliability and manufacturability of the Spot robotic platform.
  • Conduct root cause failure analysis and implement corrective measures.
  • Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and associated technical documentation.
  • Execute system design evaluations focusing on design for assembly, reliability, and cost reduction.
  • Collaborate with quality and manufacturing teams to align designs with performance targets.
  • Identify and qualify replacement components to minimize obsolescence risks.

Benefits

  • Generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company contributions.
  • Paid time off for better work-life balance.
  • Annual bonus structure tied to performance.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We are looking for a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to join the Spot Platform Team. In this role, you will be responsible for the technical support, sustainment and continuous improvement of the Spot robotic platform and payloads. You will independently own substantial portions of the robotic subsystem support and sustainment, driving technical decisions, cross-functional integration, and continuous improvement. By applying strong technical expertise to resolve challenging design problems, you will improve the reliability and manufacturability of mechanical solutions for Spot.

Key Responsibilities
  • Drive initiatives to improve the reliability and manufacturability of the Spot product line, including sustaining engineering and design improvement activities to enhance platform functionality and capability.
  • Conduct root cause failure analysis to troubleshoot issues from the field and production. Design, test and implement preventative and corrective measures.
  • Manage the creation of engineering change orders (ECOs) along with technical documentation, such as part / assembly drawings and bills of material (BOMs).
  • Execute system design evaluations, focusing on areas such as DFA / DFM, reliability, and cost reduction.
  • Work closely with quality, manufacturing, and supply chain partners to ensure that all designs align with manufacturability, performance, and cost targets.
  • Identify and qualify replacement components to mitigate risks associated with part obsolescence.


Core Competencies
  • Execution:
    • Analyzes and prioritizes the varying aspects of the role, knows and/or follows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, and consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
  • Collaboration:
    • Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives through effective communication that understands the unique needs of different audiences.
  • Innovation:
    • Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful, anticipates and adopts innovations in business, operations, and technology applications.
  • Adaptability:
    • Adapts and pivots in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations, and moves forward productively and optimistically under conditions of change and ambiguity.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Expertise in the mechanical design and manufacturing of robotic applications (or similar), including mechanisms, actuation systems, and high-performance structures.
  • Advanced CATIA user or equivalent (NX, Solidworks, etc.), including 3D modeling, 2D drawings, simulation
  • Familiarity with PLM systems, (Arena preferred), and engineering change processes
  • Ability to apply and interpret GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards
  • Demonstrated experience in taking designs through production launch and post-launch support, including validation, NPI and sustaining engineering activities
  • Extensive experience with low- to high-volume manufacturing processes suitable for robotics, including but not limited to CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, die casting, and other precision fabrication methods.
  • Strong analytical, decision-making, and troubleshooting skills, especially under ambiguous or fast-changing conditions.
  • Effective communicator in both technical and cross-functional contexts, with strong presentation and technical writing skills.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field required
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, including significant work in robotics, automation, or complex electromechanical systems.
  • Demonstrated leadership of major subsystem or full mechanical product designs.


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 base pay range for this position is between $120,000 to $145,000 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 an annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.

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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