Principal Systems Engineer at Boston Dynamics

Waltham, Minnesota, United States

Boston Dynamics Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Industrial AutomationIndustries

Requirements

  • 7+ years of experience leading cross-functional systems engineering efforts in robotics, autonomous vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, industrial automation, or related industries
  • Deep knowledge of one or more relevant safety standards, including IEC 61508, ANSI/RIA R15.08, ISO 26262, ISO/PAS 21448, UL/ANSI 4600
  • Experience developing a full safety case and compiling data to support safety claims, especially for autonomous systems
  • Experience leading engineering teams through structured safety analysis efforts, such as HARA, FMEA, and Fault Tree Analysis
  • Experience developing safety goals and validation targets
  • Strong communication skills, including ability to author technical documentation and deliver presentations on technical topics
  • History of leading cross-functional technical efforts through planning, technical requirement development, and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • History of working in small, interdisciplinary teams
  • Eligible to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

Responsibilities

  • Help engineering teams understand relevant safety standards and identify efforts needed for compliance
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop requirements, architectures, and test plans
  • Guide engineering teams through appropriate safety analysis at various phases of the program
  • Compile requirements, analysis, and test evidence sufficient to develop a safety case for an autonomous system
  • Lead cross-functional technical efforts involving interdisciplinary efforts to develop robotic systems
  • Work closely with a small team to design and prototype new payloads, platforms, and product features which create safety features for robots

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Systems EngineeringSafety AnalysisIEC 61508ISO 26262ISO/PAS 21448ANSI/RIA R15.08UL/ANSI 4600Requirements GenerationTest PlansSafety Case DevelopmentRoboticsAutonomous Systems

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this Principal Systems Engineer role?

The role requires 7+ years of experience leading cross-functional systems engineering efforts in robotics, autonomous vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, industrial automation, or related industries.

What key safety standards should candidates be familiar with?

Candidates need deep knowledge of one or more relevant safety standards, including IEC 61508, ANSI/RIA R15.08, ISO 26262, ISO/PAS 21448, and UL/ANSI 4600.

What is the work environment like on the Perception and Safety R&D Team?

You will work in a small cross-functional group and small, interdisciplinary teams, developing robotic perception technologies in a collaborative environment focused on safety.

Is this position remote or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this role?

Strong candidates have experience developing full safety cases for autonomous systems, leading structured safety analyses like HARA, FMEA, and Fault Tree Analysis, and a history of leading cross-functional efforts with excellent communication skills.

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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