Job Title: Sr. Manufacturing Quality 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. We are looking for a talented Sr. Manufacturing Quality Engineer to support the Atlas program by driving quality directly on the manufacturing floor and managing root cause corrective action projects. This role is key to transforming next-generation humanoid robots from early prototypes into high-performing systems with scalable, reliable processes.
About the Role
As a Sr. Manufacturing Quality Engineer - Atlas, you will serve as the primary quality lead on the manufacturing floor, providing real-time technical triage and hands-on support for build and repair operations.
You will take ownership of non-conformances, lead complex root cause corrective action (8D) projects, and manage cross-functional teams to permanently resolve systemic defects.
You will collaborate daily with Atlas Supply Chain, Build, Repair, Hardware Engineering, and Reliability teams to identify failure modes immediately, implement rapid floor-level controls, and increase first-pass yield.
This role requires a hands-on, highly responsive mindset, a deep understanding of electromechanical systems, and the ability to triage floor issues efficiently while driving long-term corrective action project timelines.
Responsibilities
- Floor Support & Triage: Provide active, daily floor support to technicians and build leads, rapidly triaging build issues, part non-conformances, and assembly failures in real time.
- Root Cause Management: Drive structured Root Cause Analysis and lead end-to-end Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) projects for complex mechanical and electromechanical defects.
- MRB & Non-Conformance Ownership: Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) process, dispositioning non-conforming hardware quickly to minimize shop-floor downtime while tracking defect trends.
- In-Process Quality Controls: Implement and enforce immediate containment actions, floor-level quality gates, and in-process inspection standards for active builds and repairs.
- Cross-Functional Execution: Coordinate with Design Engineering, Reliability, and Operations to assign ownership and track action items for closed-loop corrective action projects.
- Process Standardization: Partner with Build and Repair teams to update work instructions, SOPs, and inspection checklists based on RCCA project outcomes to prevent issue recurrence.
- Metrics & Trend Analysis: Track, analyze, and present manufacturing floor defect Pareto charts, first-pass yield (FPY) loss drivers, and CAPA resolution cycle times.
- Escalation & Communication: Act as the direct conduit between the manufacturing floor and engineering teams to escalate critical build blockers and technical design flaws.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus or comparable industry experience.
- At least 3–6 years of relevant experience in manufacturing quality engineering, with strong experience in direct shop-floor support.
- Advanced proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC) applied to electromechanical systems.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience triaging non-conformances, managing MRB workflows, and issuing line containment actions in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong ability to read engineering drawings, assembly specs, and GD&T to assess non-conforming conditions on the floor.
- Experience developing and deploying floor-level control plans, containment protocols, and inspection standard operating procedures.
- Excellent project management skills, with a track record of driving cross-functional teams to close out root cause corrective action projects on schedule.
- Comfortable working directly on the production floor alongside build technicians and shop personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of non-conformance tracking tools, MES/QMS platforms, and quality metrics dashboards (e.g., FPY, Scrap, CAPA cycle time).
- Experience supporting robotics, complex actuators, or high-density electromechanical assemblies.
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.
- Familiarity with PLM systems for engineering change order (ECO) implementation resulting from corrective actions.
- Experience using statistical analysis software such as Minitab, JMP or similar to analyze manufacturing data to monitor processes & aid root cause analysis.
The pay range for this position is between $90,000 to $105,000. 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 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.
