Manager, Prototype Engineering

Boston Dynamics, inc.•Waltham, MA

57d

About The Position

The Manager, Prototype Engineering leads a multidisciplinary engineering organization critical to the development and delivery of advanced humanoid robotic systems. This role owns the engineering elements of early-stage product realization - including Design for X (DFx), process development, manufacturability, test coverage, reliability, and serviceability - to ensure prototypes can be built quickly, repeatedly, and with exceptional quality. The team includes Process, Manufacturing, Quality, and Test Engineering capabilities as well as hands-on technical specialists supporting prototype builds and repairs. The Manager partners with Hardware and Software Engineering, Controls, Reliability, Supply Chain, and Operations leadership to translate evolving designs into scalable, well-controlled prototype production. You will operate with a strong R&D mindset while instilling the rigor needed to mature Atlas from concept through low-rate initial builds - simultaneously building the processes, tools, and talent that will carry the platform into future production scale.

Requirements

Deep expertise in high-tech electromechanical product development (robotics, aerospace, EV/automotive, industrial automation, or equivalent).
Hands-on knowledge of manufacturing engineering, assembly workflows, torque/control strategies, and fixture/tooling development.
Experience deploying test systems, instrumentation, and diagnostic automation across PCBA and system-level testing.
Familiarity with quality systems including MRB, inspection methodology, CAPA, and reliability growth engineering.
Competency with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA) and layout design (AutoCAD or similar) for production line design and workflow optimization.
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and risk-based decision-making.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related engineering field.
8+ years in manufacturing/process/test/quality engineering for complex hardware products.
2+ years leading engineers, technical specialists, or scalable cross-functional programs.
Experience with NPI, DFx implementation, and early-stage production environments strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Prior work in robotics, aerospace, EV, or advanced electromechanical systems is a major plus.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional engineers and technicians delivering high-quality R&D and prototype builds of complex humanoid robotic systems.
Drive DFM, DFQ, DFT, DFR maturity early in development - shortening the path from engineering concept to physical reality.
Oversee definition and execution of prototype manufacturing, diagnostic, and acceptance test processes including test equipment strategy, automation, and traceability.
Champion rapid issue resolution through advanced root-cause methodologies (8D, DMAIC, fault tree, FRACAS).
Work closely with design owners to improve serviceability and maintainability, reducing turnaround time for hardware issues.
Architect lightweight processes, build documentation, and release systems appropriate for fast learning cycles while preparing for future scalability.
Define and track lightweight engineering KPIs covering build readiness, yield, cycle time, reliability growth, and repair effectiveness.
Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain on incoming inspection, supplier validation, and early manufacturing risk mitigation.
Build a high-performing Prototype Engineering team through coaching, skills development, and clear career pathways across Manufacturing, Process, Test, and Quality disciplines.
Act as a service provider to internal customers across R&D - ensuring Engineering, Behavior, Build, Repair, and Fleet Ops receive rapid support and technical enablement.
Present program health, readiness status, and risk mitigations to executives and cross-functional leadership