Staff Test Development Engineer - Software and Automation

Boston Dynamics; Waltham, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Job summary

Boston Dynamics seeks a Staff Test Development Engineer to lead the evolution of manufacturing test systems for the Atlas program. You will own the test software and automation frameworks that drive board flashing, DUT calibration, and functional verification on the production floor.

You will bridge prototype development and high-volume production by industrializing test benches into robust End‑of‑Line (EOL) systems, refining complex test suites and troubleshooting station issues to maximize

Qualifications

• BS Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience integrating new mechatronic systems for real-world applications.
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for debugging and scripting automation.
• Strong knowledge of databases and SQL.
• Experience with Linux-based systems and Git.
• Familiarity with cobots, robotic arms, or motion controllers with automated test fixtures.

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.

Skills

Python

C++

SQL

Linux

Git

Education

BS Computer Science or Software Engineering or equivalent

Tools

LabVIEW

TestStand

Arena

Enovia

PLC programming

Job description

Staff Test Development Engineer

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.

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.

Pay Range

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.

Benefits

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.

Company Growth

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.