R&D Inventory Manager at Boston Dynamics

Waltham, Minnesota, United States

Boston Dynamics Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Robotics, ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field
  • Advanced understanding of inventory control principles, warehouse operations, and systems integration
  • Proficient in ERP/WMS systems (e.g., Salesforce Rootstock, Oracle), including reporting, auditing, and transactional oversight
  • Skilled in root-cause analysis, process mapping, and implementing corrective actions
  • Experience managing cross-trained teams in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing setting
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills
  • Capable of interpreting inventory KPIs and identifying improvement opportunities through data analysis
  • Core competencies in Execution, Collaboration, Innovation, and Adaptability

Responsibilities

  • Supervise inventory control specialists, technicians, and material handlers to ensure accurate execution of daily inventory operations, transactions, and reporting
  • Oversee physical inventory counts and cycle count programs; review variance analysis and drive process improvements
  • Ensure accurate ERP/IMS/spreadsheet inventory data through oversight of material movements, adjustments, and documentation
  • Lead inventory investigations in coordination with Finance, Quality, Operations, and IT to resolve systemic discrepancies
  • Develop team schedules, training plans, and performance standards; support career development for high-potential staff
  • Manage inventory-related compliance activities, including internal audits, regulatory requirements, and SOP enforcement
  • Monitor KPIs related to inventory accuracy, shrinkage, reconciliation timeliness, and team productivity
  • Participate in and lead inventory improvement projects including system upgrades, layout optimization, and new product transitions
  • Act as program-level inventory subject matter expert for escalation and guidance on complex operational challenges

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

ERPIMSCycle CountingVariance AnalysisInventory AccuracyKPI MonitoringProcess ImprovementTeam SupervisionAuditingSOP ComplianceMaterial HandlingDiscrepancy Resolution

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the main responsibilities of the R&D Inventory Manager?

The role involves supervising inventory control specialists, technicians, and material handlers, overseeing physical inventory counts and cycle counts, ensuring accurate ERP/IMS data, leading investigations, developing team schedules and training, managing compliance, monitoring KPIs, and leading improvement projects.

What core competencies are required for this position?

The core competencies are Execution (analyzing, prioritizing, driving standards), Collaboration (building partnerships, effective communication), Innovation (creating improvements, adopting innovations), and Adaptability (pivoting to shifting demands).

Does this role involve supervising a team?

Yes, the role supervises inventory control specialists, technicians, and material handlers, develops team schedules, training plans, performance standards, and supports career development for staff.

Is there a focus on cross-functional collaboration in this role?

Yes, the role involves building partnerships with warehouse, planning, logistics, and finance partners, leading inventory investigations with Finance, Quality, Operations, and IT, and coaching teams on cross-functional communication.

What makes a strong candidate for the R&D Inventory Manager role?

Strong candidates demonstrate execution by driving results under tough circumstances, collaboration across functions, innovation in processes and systems, and adaptability to changing demands, along with experience in inventory management, team supervision, and process improvements.

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.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI