Staff Test Development Engineer - Software & Automation
Location: Waltham, MA (Boston Dynamics HQ)
Department: Prototype Operations
About Boston Dynamics:
Boston Dynamics is a global leader in robotics innovation, renowned for developing highly advanced, dynamic robots that excel in mobility, dexterity, and intelligence. Our cutting-edge robots, including the iconic Atlas, Spot, and Stretch, are pushing the boundaries of automation and redefining how machines interact with the world. At Boston Dynamics, we blend advanced mechanical design, state-of-the-art control systems, and AI-driven perception to create robots capable of performing in unstructured, real-world environments.
We are looking for a talented Staff Test Development Engineer to support the Atlas program, helping to transform groundbreaking research prototypes into reliable, scalable systems for manufacturing and field deployment.
About the Role:
As a Staff Test Development Engineer on the Atlas program, you will lead the evolution, software architecture, and operational reliability of the manufacturing test systems for our next-generation robotics. In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering development and high-volume production by industrializing prototype test benches into robust, scalable, End-of-Line (EOL) manufacturing test systems.
You will own the test software and automation frameworks that drive board flashing, DUT (Device Under Test) calibration, and functional verification on the production floor. As the senior technical owner of our factory test software, you will play a critical role in maximizing line throughput—refining complex test suites, troubleshooting station issues, and keeping manufacturing running smoothly with minimal downtime.
Responsibilities:
Architect, design, implement, deploy, and maintain new tools for our test framework, automation, and control strategies across all verification test stands including: configuration, diagnosis, calibration, data management, visualization, and user interaction.
Debug, maintain and improve existing test systems.
Take early R&D and prototype test benches, optimize their software stability, and adapt them for high-volume, repeatable manufacturing environments.
Refactor existing test code to optimize test execution times, reduce false-fail rates, and ensure error handling is robust enough for factory operators.
Hands-on test stand development, system design, execution, and analysis.
Qualifications:
BS Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent and 5+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience in the integration and deployment of new, custom mechatronic systems for real-world applications.
Strong interest in working on software systems that interact with robotic hardware.
In-depth cross-disciplinary knowledge of electro-mechanical actuation subsystems or related tech that enables rapid learning.
Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for debugging and scripting automation.
Strong understanding of databases and SQL.
Experience with Linux-based systems and version control tools (e.g., Git).
Familiarity with integrating cobots, robotic arms (e.g., Universal Robots, FANUC), or motion controllers/actuators with automated test fixtures.
Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
Self-motivated and able to work in an ambiguous environment with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in robotics, aerospace, precision actuators, or high-performance electromechanical systems.
Experience with test executive frameworks (e.g., LabVIEW, TestStand).
Experience with PLM systems such as Arena or Enovia for revision control and documentation management.
Familiarity with SPC, yield tracking, or MES integration.
Familiarity with PLC and Industrial automation programming.
Familiarity with writing Firmware.
Familiarity with camera calibration.
The pay range for this position is between $115,000 to $145,000 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
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Experience integrating and deploying custom mechatronic systems for real-world applications
- Interest in software systems interacting with robotic hardware
- Cross-disciplinary knowledge of electromechanical actuation subsystems or related technology
- Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for debugging and automation scripting
- Strong understanding of databases and SQL
- Experience with Linux-based systems and version control tools such as Git
- Familiarity with integrating cobots, robotic arms, or motion controllers and actuators with automated test fixtures
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills
- Ability to work independently in an ambiguous environment
- Experience in robotics, aerospace, precision actuators, or high-performance electromechanical systems
- Experience with test executive frameworks such as LabVIEW or TestStand
- Experience with PLM systems such as Arena or Enovia
- Familiarity with SPC, yield tracking, or MES integration
- Familiarity with PLC and industrial automation programming
- Familiarity with firmware development
- Familiarity with camera calibration
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.
