The Role
Lead and mentor a team of R&D technicians in the assembly and testing of electromechanical systems for next-generation robotics. Oversee build processes, troubleshoot complex systems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams while maintaining high standards of safety and documentation.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job SummaryThe Manager, Prototype Build is responsible for leading the prototype assembly function for Atlas humanoid robots. This role manages supervisors across two distinct domains: (1) R&D Mechanical and Electrical Technical Specialists, who focus on early-stage, complex prototype builds where processes and designs are still evolving; and (2) Prototype Assembly Technicians, who focus on scaling repeatable builds once designs and processes have stabilized. The Manager ensures seamless transitions between these stages, enabling speed, quality, and learning in an R&D environment where design maturity is fluid and requirements are constantly evolving. This role requires balancing the ambiguity and hands-on problem solving of early prototype builds with the discipline and structure required to enable repeatability, scalability, and throughput.Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Supervision
- Manage and coach supervisors leading teams of R&D Technical Specialists and Prototype Assembly Technicians.
- Ensure role clarity and smooth transitions as products evolve from early prototype units into repeat build phases.
- Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
- Manage and coach supervisors leading teams of R&D Technical Specialists and Prototype Assembly Technicians.
- Prototype Build Execution
- Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of prototype robot builds, ensuring alignment to program priorities and timelines.
- Enable Technical Specialists to resolve complex integration challenges where designs are incomplete or rapidly changing.
- Guide Assembly Technicians toward repeatable, efficient processes once builds stabilize.
- Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of prototype robot builds, ensuring alignment to program priorities and timelines.
- Process & Quality
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure build processes meet safety, quality, and reliability standards.
- Ensure lessons learned from early builds are captured and transferred into work instructions, documentation, and training.
- Drive continuous improvement in tooling, fixturing, layout, and process design.
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure build processes meet safety, quality, and reliability standards.
- Cross-Functional Alignment
- Act as the key interface between Prototype Operations, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Program Management.
- Balance R&D iteration speed with program-level commitments and downstream manufacturability.
- Ensure effective communication across build phases, minimizing disruption as designs evolve.
- Act as the key interface between Prototype Operations, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Program Management.
- People Development
- Identify, mentor, and develop high-potential supervisors and team members.
- Ensure needed capabilities and bench depth are met for the Atlas program needs through cross-training and supplier-led training.
- Provide clear career pathways for both Technical Specialists and Assembly Technicians.
- Reinforce safety, technical excellence, and operational discipline.
- Identify, mentor, and develop high-potential supervisors and team members.
- Execution: Ensures high build performance under ambiguity; sets clear expectations for supervisors and teams.
- Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships; mediates between fast-moving engineering requirements and operational stability.
- Innovation: Encourages Technical Specialists to experiment and solve problems creatively, while institutionalizing learnings into structured processes.
- Adaptability: Navigates the shifting demands of prototype maturity, pivoting between hands-on troubleshooting and scaled, repeatable builds.
- Strong understanding of prototype assembly processes in complex electromechanical systems.
- Experience managing teams in both R&D and scaled prototype/low-volume build environments.
- Familiarity with process documentation, work instructions, and revision control in an evolving design environment.
- Skilled in root cause analysis, problem solving, and issue escalation in high-mix/low-volume builds.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
- 8+ years of relevant operations or manufacturing experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Proven track record managing supervisors and multi-disciplinary build teams in prototype or advanced manufacturing settings.
- Experience balancing the competing needs of early R&D iteration and repeatable build performance.
- Robotics, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical systems background strongly preferred.
The pay range for this position is between $155,000 to $200,000 annually. Base pay will depend on multiple individualized factors including, but not limited to internal equity, job related knowledge, skills and experience. This range represents a good faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Boston Dynamics offers a generous Benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401(k), paid time off and a annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.
Skills Required
- 5+ years in prototype or low-volume manufacturing with a focus on electromechanical subassemblies, system integration, or robotics.
- 2+ years of direct team leadership or supervisory experience in a technical build environment.
- Deep familiarity with precision assembly including torque control, press fits, alignment, bonding/potting, motor winding, and cable/harness routing.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings/schematics and utilize tools like meters, scopes, and test rigs for debugging.
- Experience with robotics, aerospace, large scale 3D printing, or automotive drivetrains; familiarity with PLM systems and project management software.
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The Company
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.
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