Hardware Development Engineer, Tactile Sensing at Boston Dynamics

Waltham, Minnesota, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Robotics, AutomationIndustries

Requirements

MS or PhD in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field; or BS in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of professional experience
Combined ME/EE background is a strong plus
Hardware design and integration experience in robotics, automation or similar electromechanical domains, with demonstrated experience developing a product for commercial applications
Expertise in tactile/haptic/force sensorization technologies for grippers or other body parts
Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Altium) and simulation platforms (e.g., thermal, structural, or circuit simulation)
Strong understanding of robotic system architecture, including actuators, sensors, power systems, and communication protocols (e.g., CAN, SPI, I2C)
Experience with environmental testing, reliability testing, and debugging in motion-centric applications
Familiarity with electromechanical integration, cable management, and embedded control hardware
Strong communication and technical writing skills, with ability to document and explain complex designs
Understanding of robotics-related standards and safety regulations (e.g., ISO 10218, ANSI/RIA)
Certifications in robotics safety, reliability engineering, or IPC standards are a plus

Responsibilities

Work with multi-disciplinary teams to design, fabricate, evaluate and demonstrate new sensing solutions for reliable closed-loop, whole-body manipulation behaviors
Design, prototype, and validate robotic hardware components such as PCBs, sensor modules, harnessing, and enclosures
Evaluate and select materials and components suitable for robotic use cases involving motion, vibration, thermal loads, and environmental exposure
Conduct hands-on testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigations to improve reliability and performance of robotic systems
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in software, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering to define hardware interfaces and ensure successful integration
Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for test (DFT) initiatives for robotic subsystems
Maintain detailed technical documentation, including CAD models, test plans, schematics, and validation reports
Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and design standards for robotics hardware

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

PCBsSensor ModulesHarnessingEnclosuresCADSchematicsElectromechanical SystemsEmbedded ElectronicsFirmwareTactile SensingFailure AnalysisDFMDFTRobotics Hardware

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the key skills required for the Hardware Development Engineer role?

Expertise in tactile/haptic/force sensorization technologies for grippers or other body parts is required, along with proficiency in CAD tools like SolidWorks and Altium, and a strong understanding of robotic system architecture including actuators, sensors, power systems, and communication protocols.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the company culture like for this role at Boston Dynamics?

The role emphasizes collaboration with multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering, focusing on execution, innovation, adaptability, and delivering robust hardware solutions.

What makes a strong candidate for this Hardware Development Engineer position?

Strong candidates demonstrate execution by delivering robust solutions on time, collaboration across disciplines, innovation in proposing new technologies, and adaptability to evolving challenges, with hands-on experience in designing, prototyping, and validating robotic hardware.

Boston Dynamics

Develops advanced robots for industrial applications

About Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics creates advanced robots that enhance human capabilities and safety, focusing on legged robots with high mobility, dexterity, and intelligence. Their flagship products, Spot and Pick, are designed for commercial, industrial, and research applications, performing tasks that are dangerous or physically demanding for humans. Spot, for example, is a 65-pound robot that can navigate complex terrains and avoid obstacles autonomously using built-in AI. Unlike many competitors, Boston Dynamics emphasizes responsible use of their robots, limiting sales to commercial and research clients and ensuring high-quality standards through domestic manufacturing. The company's goal is to improve safety and efficiency across various industries while exploring future consumer applications.

Waltham, MassachusettsHeadquarters

1992Year Founded

$38.8MTotal Funding

ACQUISITIONCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, AI & Machine LearningIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Remote Work Options

Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Competition from affordable Chinese robotics could pressure market share and pricing.

Layoffs indicate potential financial or strategic challenges impacting future innovation.

Collaboration with multiple stakeholders may lead to strategic misalignments.

Differentiation

Boston Dynamics excels in creating robots with advanced mobility and dexterity.

Their robots are designed for unstructured environments, enhancing workplace safety and efficiency.

Spot and Atlas are pioneering robots in digital transformation and mobile manipulation.

Upsides

Collaboration with Toyota and Hyundai boosts AI-powered humanoid robot development.

Patent resolution with Ghost Robotics opens collaboration on robotics policy and technology.

AI advancements in Atlas position Boston Dynamics as a humanoid robot market leader.

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