Senior Staff Gear Train Engineer - Atlas Actuation Technology

Boston Dynamics
Massachusetts
We are looking for a Senior 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 8+ years, or an advanced degree with 6+ 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 $160,000 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.
Posted 2026-07-26

Recommended Jobs

Public Markets Middle Office- Equity Investment Team Director (AVP)

Morgan Stanley
Boston, MA

We are seeking a proactive Equity Investment Team Support professional to join the Public Markets Middle Office and provide high-touch operational partnership to Equity Portfolio Managers and Trading…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-09

Packaging Associate

Holistic Industries
Massachusetts

Job Description Job Description Role: Packaging Associate Location: Monson, MA Full Time We are Growers, We are Wholesalers, We are Producers, We Are Budtenders, We are Retailers, We a…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-03

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Chartwells K12
Newtonville, MA

Job Description Job Description     We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD UNIT LEAD positions. Location : Newton Public Schools - 100 Walnut Street, Newton, MA 02460. Note: online…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-24

Paid Healthcare Training Position

Agawam Rehab Campus
Springfield, MA

Job Description Job Description Agawam Rehab & Nursing Campus is seeking individuals interested in building a career in healthcare through a structured, hands-on learning experience in a skilled…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-16

Mortgage Originator/Officer

Winchester Cooperative Bank
Winchester, MA

Job Description Job Description POSITION SUMMARY The Mortgage Loan Originator is responsible for developing and originating qualified residential mortgage lending opportunities within the Bank…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-10

Retail Banking Procedure Analyst

Bristol County Savings Bank
Taunton, MA

Job Description Job Description Position: Retail Banking Procedure Analyst Job Type: Full Time/ Part Time Department: Branch Administration Reports To: AVP, Retail Branch Operation…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-29

Sr. Automotive Detailer

Automotive Elegance
Andover, MA

Job Description Job Description Salary: $23+ $1000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Position: Sr. Automotive Detailer About Us: What distinguishes Automotive Elegance in the Paint Protection Film indu…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-23

Need licensed Class A CDL drivers within 150 miles of zip code 12095

H&H Recruiting
Springfield, MA

Job Description Job Description GET HOME WEEKLY - CDL A DRIVER Position Information: ~ Home weekly ~ Regional Pay Information: ~ Averaging $1600+ a week! Positions Requirement…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-23

Optometrist - Private Practice, Flexible Hours

Vonnahme Eye Care
Easthampton, MA

Job Description Job Description Optometrist – Flexible Part-Time or Full-Time – Easthampton, MA We’re looking for a caring, committed Optometrist to join our Easthampton office. This positio…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-11