Staff Research Scientist at Boston Dynamics

Waltham, Minnesota, United States

Boston Dynamics Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
RoboticsIndustries

Requirements

  • Strong ML / Computer Vision / Computer Graphics research background
  • Track record of published peer-reviewed research in topics such as: Learned 3D reconstruction, depth prediction, feature matching, semantic segmentation, object 6-DoF pose and shape estimation, Vision-language models, Multimodal perception with vision/proprioception/touch sensing, Learned visual representations and foundation models for robot manipulation
  • Proficiency in Python programming and popular ML frameworks
  • Additional desired experience: PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Graphics or a related field; Hands-on robotics experience; Practical knowledge of 3D geometry, projective geometry, camera models; Competent with C++ programming

Responsibilities

  • Identify, propose, and lead research projects solving real problems using machine learning
  • Creatively combine state-of-the-art open-source models and in-house data to advance the robot capabilities
  • Write high-quality (documented, tested, maintainable) Python and C++ code in a large shared codebase
  • Regularly present your research within the Atlas team and in wider company meetings
  • Collaborate with controls, planning, software and hardware teams to test and integrate your ideas on Atlas

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

PythonC++Machine LearningComputer VisionComputer Graphics3D ReconstructionDepth PredictionFeature MatchingSemantic SegmentationObject Pose EstimationVision-Language ModelsMultimodal PerceptionFoundation Models3D GeometryProjective GeometryCamera Models

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What programming skills are required for this role?

Proficiency in Python programming and popular ML frameworks is required, along with competent C++ programming as desired experience. You will write high-quality Python and C++ code in a large shared codebase.

What research background is needed for this position?

A strong ML / Computer Vision / Computer Graphics research background is required, with a track record of published peer-reviewed research in areas like learned 3D reconstruction, depth prediction, feature matching, semantic segmentation, object 6-DoF pose estimation, vision-language models, multimodal perception, and learned visual representations for robot manipulation.

Is a PhD required for this Research Scientist role?

A PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Graphics or a related field is listed as additional desired experience, not a strict requirement.

What does the team structure look like for this position?

You will join a world-class research team on the Atlas Perception team, collaborating with controls, planning, software, and hardware teams to test and integrate ideas on Atlas.

What makes a strong candidate for this Staff Research Scientist role?

Strong candidates will have a proven research track record in ML, Computer Vision, or related fields, hands-on robotics experience, practical knowledge of 3D geometry and camera models, and the ability to lead projects while writing high-quality code.

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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