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Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Onsite
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.
What You’ll Do
Gear System Design: Design and develop gear systems across robot platforms, accounting for kinematics, operational load spectra, efficiency, packaging constraints, weight, manufacturability, and cost.
Analysis & Optimization: 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.
Design for Manufacturing (DFx): 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.
Quality & Metrology: Interpret analytical gear inspection data, contribute to part disposition and inspection standards, and help resolve manufacturing deviations.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Reason through abstract, novel constraints specific to the emerging humanoid robot industry, and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.
What You Bring
Gear Fundamentals: Working knowledge of gear theory, envelope theory, macro/micro geometry, LTCA, fatigue, backlash, and high-volume manufacturing methods and materials.
Tools & Documentation: 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.
Gear Specialization: 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).
Robotics Transmissions: Familiarity with alternative transmissions such as strain wave and cycloidal — and the trade space versus planetary — including compound and differential drivetrains.
Collaborative Judgment: Sound technical judgment balancing innovation with practical manufacturing constraints, paired with clear communication across cross-functional teams and a learning mindset.
Qualifications
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).
Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required to support manufacturing and supplier partners.
A brief portfolio of recent work, with short descriptions, is required via web link or PDF/PPT.
We are interested in all qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas for this position.
The base pay range for this position is between $115,000 to $140,000 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 an annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.