Distinguished Hardware Development Engineer, Atlas

Boston Dynamics is looking for a Staff Robotics Simulation Engineer, Hardware to join our Central Hardware team.

The Hardware Simulation Engineer is a high-energy, growth-oriented professional destined to become a core contributor to Boston Dynamics’ Central Hardware team. This role focuses on the hands-on execution of structural and dynamic simulations while rapidly absorbing advanced methodologies from senior mentorship. Starting with a strong foundation in Static and Dynamic FEA, the engineer will be trained to expand their expertise into the CFD (Thermal-Fluids) domain. We are looking for a proactive "rising star" who is ready to take ownership of simulation tasks and evolve into a key technical pillar within the organization.

Boston Dynamics is a world leader in mobile robots, tackling some of the toughest robotics challenges. For years, our awe-inspiring viral videos on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/BostonDynamics) have shown the world what remarkably capable robots can do. Now we are quickly becoming a recognized leader in automation solutions for industrial applications and warehouse logistics.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform Static and Dynamic FEA on robotic components and subsystems under the guidance of senior engineers to drive design optimizations.
• Actively learn and adopt CFD and thermal-structural interaction methodologies to gradually take on actuator and system-level thermal analysis.
• Participate in physical testing (e.g., strain gauge, accelerometer, and thermal imaging) to collect empirical data and improve the fidelity of simulation models.
• Execute standardized simulation workflows and "Best Practices" established by the team, contributing to the development of automation scripts (Python/MATLAB).
• Maintain detailed technical documentation of analysis results and clearly communicate findings during design reviews with cross-functional teams.
• Partner closely with mechanical design and manufacturing teams to solve hardware challenges with a high sense of ownership and urgency.

What You Bring:

• Growth Mindset: An insatiable desire to learn new domains (CFD, advanced dynamics) and a proactive approach to self-improvement and problem-solving.
• Execution Excellence: Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable simulation results within project timelines.
• Collaboration & Ownership: A team-first attitude with the drive to take full responsibility for assigned tasks and see them through to successful hardware implementation.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment, viewing technical challenges as opportunities for professional growth.
• Demonstrated track record of applying FEA/Dynamics principles to solve real-world engineering problems. Also a strong ambition to evolve into a multi-disciplinary simulation expert and a key "protagonist" in the future of robotics at Boston Dynamics.
• Strong theoretical understanding of mechanics of materials, dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in at least one major FEA tool (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus, or Nastran).
• Ability to manipulate and simplify CAD data for simulation meshing (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data processing and simple task automation is a plus.
• Ability to articulate complex engineering concepts logically in both written reports and verbal discussions.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (New graduates with strong research focus in simulation are welcome)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field with 2–3+ years of professional experience in hardware simulation.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field with 5+ years of professional experience in electromechanical hardware simulation and analysis.

*We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas for this position.*

*The salary range for this position will be clearly stated in the job posting as required by Massachusetts law. The base pay range for this position is between $135,000 - $167,000. 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 will never ask you to divulge your personal financial or account information as part of its recruiting process.

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