The Senior Mechanical Development Engineer, Compute and Sensing role focuses on applying mechanical engineering first principles to the development of next-generation compute and sensing technology for robotic systems. The individual will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical components, structures, and packaging solutions, with an emphasis on integrated hardware systems, motion components, sensors, and embedded electronics. Key responsibilities include designing experiments to characterize thermal behavior, acoustic performance, and mechanical robustness, and using those learnings to prescribe improvements to designs under development. This role supports the full product development lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through prototyping, validation, and production, ensuring seamless integration with electrical, software, and control systems to deliver reliable and scalable robotic solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for robotic compute and sensing systems, thermal management systems, perception systems, shock isolation, etc...
Design and build test fixtures, simulation rigs, and automation setups for functional and environmental testing, specifically for characterizing thermal behavior, acoustic performance, and mechanical robustness.
Perform root cause analysis for system failures; recommend and validate corrective actions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering) to define hardware interfaces, ensure successful integration, and meet system integration needs and motion constraints.
Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including 3D models and detailed drawings/BOMs for test apparatus, test plans, schematics, and validation reports.
Core Competencies
Execution: Analyzes and prioritizes varying aspects of the role, applies engineering best practices to deliver robust hardware solutions on time, and consistently achieves high-quality results even in technically complex environments.
Collaboration: Builds close partnerships with roboticists, software developers, systems engineers, and manufacturing teams, communicating effectively across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to align on shared quality objectives.
Innovation: Creates new and better ways to validate intelligent robotic systems, proposing and implementing new technologies or components that enhance performance, cost-efficiency, or reliability in robotic platforms.
Adaptability: Adapts and pivots in real time to meet the dynamic needs of iterative hardware-software co-development, responding quickly and constructively to evolving specifications, technical challenges, or shifting field requirements.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of mechanical fundamentals as applied to robotics: sensing systems, structural mechanics, thermal management, and material selection.
Capacity to quickly and deeply understand new technologies
Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Altium, Catia 3DX, Onshape, Creo) and mechanical/thermal/structural/circuit simulation tools (e.g., FEA, multibody dynamics).
Hands-on experience with test tools (e.g., sensor suites, DAQs, etc.).
Skilled in test automation and scripting (Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent).
Familiarity with kinematics, dynamics, and control theory applied to electromechanical devices, computers and/or sensors.
Proficient in interpreting mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and embedded schematics.
Strong communication and technical writing skills for documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
Typical Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
Master’s degree preferred, especially with a robotics, automation, or control systems focus.
3+ years of experience in mechanical design, test engineering, or hardware design and integration roles, with at least 2 years in robotics or electromechanical systems.
Exposure to product development in agile or fast-paced robotics environments.
Certifications in test engineering, robotics, or safety standards are advantageous.
Top Skills
What We Do
Boston Dynamics builds advanced mobile manipulation robots with remarkable mobility, dexterity perception and agility. We use sensor-based controls and computation to unlock the potential of complex mechanisms. Our world-class development teams develop prototypes for wild new concepts, do build-test-build engineering and field testing and transform successful designs into robot products. Our goal is to change your idea of what robots can do.
