Atlas is our next-generation humanoid robot, designed to perform useful work in dynamic, real-world environments. A central challenge in achieving this is the development of highly robust grippers that combine strength, dexterity, and high fidelity tactile sensing in compact packages.
We're looking for a
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design and development of Atlas's grippers. You'll work on novel mechanisms and assemblies-balancing dexterity, force capability, manufacturability, and durability-while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver hardware that directly impacts Atlas's ability to interact with the world.
Responsibilities- Contribute to the design of key gripper subsystems, from early concepts through to production-ready hardware.
- Develop and analyze mechanisms that balance dexterity, payload, and reliability under demanding use cases.
- Apply engineering fundamentals across materials, tribology, thermals, and tolerance stack-ups to achieve robust, repeatable performance.
- Use CAD (3DX/Catia) and analysis tools to model, simulate, and validate designs.
- Collaborate with electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers to ensure clean integration and testability.
- Support prototyping, bring-up, and issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle.
You're a good fit if you:- Have strong fundamentals in mechanics, dynamics, and materials, with a track record of building precision mechanisms.
- Are fluent in CAD and comfortable managing complex assemblies with tight packaging and motion constraints.
- Have experience with precision actuation hardware-such as tendon- or gear-driven systems, elastomeric contacts, or compliant joints.
- Are confident balancing competing requirements of performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
QualificationsAny of the experience listed below would be applicable in this role; it is not expected that candidates would possess all of these qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of experience, or PhD with 3+ years of experience
- Experience designing and delivering hardware from concept through validation.
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of mechanical designs in multidisciplinary projects.
- Advanced CAD user (Catia, NX, Solidworks, etc.), including part and assembly level FEA and topology optimization
- A working knowledge of ASME drafting standards including GD&T, (Y14.5-2018)
- Transitioning early designs to products [NPI, EVT, DVT]
- Soft skills: creative and team first thinking, excellent attention to detail, strong technical communication, technical mentorship
A brief portfolio of images with short descriptions of recent work is required via either web-link or PDF.The base pay range for this position is between $130,000 to $190,000 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. 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.