Staff Robotics Simulation Engineer, Hardware

Boston Dynamics, Inc.; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Dynamics is seeking a Staff Robotics Simulation Engineer, Hardware to join our Central Hardware team. This role focuses on hands-on static and dynamic simulations and will expand into CFD and thermal-structural analysis under mentorship.

You will perform FEA, assist in physical testing, and develop automation scripts while documenting results and communicating findings in design reviews with cross-functional teams. A strong research background in simulation is welcome at all levels.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform Static and Dynamic FEA on robotic components and subsystems under guidance of senior engineers to drive design optimizations
• Adopt CFD and thermal-structural interaction methodologies for actuator and system-level thermal analysis
• Participate in physical testing to collect empirical data and improve simulation fidelity
• Develop automation scripts (Python/MATLAB) and execute standardized workflows
• Maintain detailed technical documentation and present findings in design reviews with cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with mechanical design and manufacturing teams to solve hardware challenges with ownership

Skills

FEA & Dynamics

Python/MATLAB

CAD data manipulation

Thermal/CFD basics

Collaboration & ownership

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field

MS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field with 2–3+ years of experience

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field with 5+ years of experience

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

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 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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We are growing rapidly, building a commercial company that delivers cutting edge technology and solutions to our customers from industrial applications to logistics and warehouse solutions.