Staff Gear Train Engineer - Atlas Actuation Technology
About The Position
We are looking for a Staff Gear Train Engineer to develop the gearboxes and drivetrains inside our next-generation humanoid robots. This role spans the full gear lifecycle — concept design, analysis, and manufacturing/quality — shaping how high-performance gear trains are designed, validated, and brought to production. As Boston Dynamics scales its electric actuators, the drivetrain is a defining factor in product performance, durability, and cost. Because priorities shift as products move from development toward production, this role is deliberately versatile: you'll move between design, analysis, and manufacturing/quality work as the team's needs evolve, partnering with internal and external manufacturing teams along the way. Navigating ambiguity, attention to detail, clear communication, and a collaborative mindset are key to success.
Requirements
- Working knowledge of gear theory, envelope theory, macro/micro geometry, LTCA, fatigue, backlash, and high-volume manufacturing methods and materials.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD and 2D drawings (CATIA, NX, or Creo), GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and gear simulation tools such as MASTA, Transmission3D, Romax, or KISSsys.
- Proficiency in planetary and/or bevel gear design, analysis, and metrology, with familiarity across gear manufacturing and inspection methods (e.g., hobbing, grinding, shaping, skiving).
- Familiarity with alternative transmissions such as strain wave and cycloidal — and the trade space versus planetary — including compound and differential drivetrains.
- Sound technical judgment balancing innovation with practical manufacturing constraints, paired with clear communication across cross-functional teams and a learning mindset.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Professional experience in gear or drivetrain design and production (typically 5+ years, or an advanced degree with 3+ years).
Responsibilities
- Design and develop gear systems across robot platforms, accounting for kinematics, operational load spectra, efficiency, packaging constraints, weight, manufacturability, and cost.
- Develop core drivetrain architectures from concept through detailed design, leveraging CAD and gear analysis software to integrate gears, splines, shafts, and bearings.
- Conduct system optimization by analyzing performance data against real-world duty cycles, tolerance loops, and environmental boundaries.
- Partner with internal and external manufacturing teams to translate design intent to production — supporting DFM, process and workholding feedback, and the manufacturability and assemblability of drivetrain elements from concept through mass production.
- Interpret analytical gear inspection data, contribute to part disposition and inspection standards, and help resolve manufacturing deviations.
- Reason through abstract, novel constraints specific to the emerging humanoid robot industry, and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision
- 401(k)
- paid time off
- annual bonus structure
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
