What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Test Development Engineer - Software and Automation position at Boston Dynamics?
Staff Test Development Engineer - Software & Automation
Location: Waltham, MA (Boston Dynamics HQ)
Department: Prototype Operations
About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is a global leader in robotics innovation, renowned for developing highly advanced, dynamic robots that excel in mobility, dexterity, and intelligence. Our cutting-edge robots, including the iconic Atlas, Spot, and Stretch, are pushing the boundaries of automation and redefining how machines interact with the world. At Boston Dynamics, we blend advanced mechanical design, state-of-the-art control systems, and AI-driven perception to create robots capable of performing in unstructured, real-world environments.
We are looking for a talented Staff Test Development 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 Staff Test Development Engineer on the Atlas program, you will lead the evolution, software architecture, and operational reliability of the manufacturing test systems for our next-generation robotics. In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering development and high-volume production by industrializing prototype test benches into robust, scalable, End-of-Line (EOL) manufacturing test systems.
You will own the test software and automation frameworks that drive board flashing, DUT (Device Under Test) calibration, and functional verification on the production floor. As the senior technical owner of our factory test software, you will play a critical role in maximizing line throughput—refining complex test suites, troubleshooting station issues, and keeping manufacturing running smoothly with minimal downtime.
Responsibilities
Location: Waltham, MA (Boston Dynamics HQ)
Department: Prototype Operations
About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is a global leader in robotics innovation, renowned for developing highly advanced, dynamic robots that excel in mobility, dexterity, and intelligence. Our cutting-edge robots, including the iconic Atlas, Spot, and Stretch, are pushing the boundaries of automation and redefining how machines interact with the world. At Boston Dynamics, we blend advanced mechanical design, state-of-the-art control systems, and AI-driven perception to create robots capable of performing in unstructured, real-world environments.
We are looking for a talented Staff Test Development 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 Staff Test Development Engineer on the Atlas program, you will lead the evolution, software architecture, and operational reliability of the manufacturing test systems for our next-generation robotics. In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering development and high-volume production by industrializing prototype test benches into robust, scalable, End-of-Line (EOL) manufacturing test systems.
You will own the test software and automation frameworks that drive board flashing, DUT (Device Under Test) calibration, and functional verification on the production floor. As the senior technical owner of our factory test software, you will play a critical role in maximizing line throughput—refining complex test suites, troubleshooting station issues, and keeping manufacturing running smoothly with minimal downtime.
Responsibilities
- Architect, design, implement, deploy, and maintain new tools for our test framework, automation, and control strategies across all verification test stands including: configuration, diagnosis, calibration, data management, visualization, and user interaction.
- Debug, maintain and improve existing test systems.
- Take early R&D and prototype test benches, optimize their software stability, and adapt them for high-volume, repeatable manufacturing environments.
- Refactor existing test code to optimize test execution times, reduce false-fail rates, and ensure error handling is robust enough for factory operators.
- Hands-on test stand development, system design, execution, and analysis.
- BS Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent and 5 years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience in the integration and deployment of new, custom mechatronic systems for real-world applications.
- Strong interest in working on software systems that interact with robotic hardware.
- In-depth cross-disciplinary knowledge of electro-mechanical actuation subsystems or related tech that enables rapid learning.
- Proficiency in Python and/or C for debugging and scripting automation.
- Strong understanding of databases and SQL.
- Experience with Linux-based systems and version control tools (e.g., Git).
- Familiarity with integrating cobots, robotic arms (e.g., Universal Robots, FANUC), or motion controllers/actuators with automated test fixtures.
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work in an ambiguous environment with minimal supervision.
- Experience in robotics, aerospace, precision actuators, or high-performance electromechanical systems.
- Experience with test executive frameworks (e.g., LabVIEW, TestStand).
- Experience with PLM systems such as Arena or Enovia for revision control and documentation management.
- Familiarity with SPC, yield tracking, or MES integration.
- Familiarity with PLC and Industrial automation programming.
- Familiarity with writing Firmware.
- Familiarity with camera calibration.
Salary : $115,000 - $145,000