Boston Dynamics is seeking a Sr. Supervisor, R&D Build to lead the hands-on assembly, test, and troubleshooting of critical electromechanical systems for our next-generation robotic platforms. This is a player-coach role requiring technical depth and team leadership. You will oversee the build of custom actuators, motors, robotic subassemblies, and full-system integrations during the research and prototype phases. This role supports rapid iteration cycles to drive innovation across our humanoid and mobile robot platforms, requiring a candidate who thrives in an R&D environment where precision and speed go hand in hand.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of skilled R&D technicians focused on building custom motors, actuators, motion subsystems, and full-system robotic integration.
Operational Coordination: Plan and coordinate daily work based on build schedules, development priorities, and program needs.
Technical Execution: Actively participate in hands-on builds, reworks, teardowns, and debug activities to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems.
Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner closely with Engineering, Test, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure material readiness, fast root cause resolution, and clean handoffs.
Process Optimization: Contribute to the development and refinement of build processes, tooling, and fixtures to improve efficiency, repeatability, and craftsmanship.
Standards & Documentation: Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety (including ESD compliance), and documentation (build work instructions, torque specs, test results).
Team Development: Onboard new hires and train technicians in best practices for precision assembly and system-level integration.
Qualifications
Basic Experience:
5+ years in prototype or low-volume manufacturing with a focus on electromechanical subassemblies, system integration, or robotics.
Leadership:
2+ years of direct team leadership or supervisory experience in a technical build environment.
Technical Skills:
Deep familiarity with precision assembly (torque control, press fits, alignment, bonding/potting, motor winding, and cable/harness routing).
Analytical Skills:
Ability to interpret engineering drawings/schematics and utilize tools like meters, scopes, and test rigs for debugging.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with robotics, aerospace,Large Scale 3d printing, or automotive drivetrains; familiarity with PLM systems (Arena, Agile) and Project Management software (JIRA, Smartsheets).
Core Competencies:
Operational Excellence: Drives rigor in execution and holds the team to the highest standards of safety and hardware readiness.
Adaptive Leadership: Balances the need for structured processes with the flexibility required in a fast-paced, ambiguous R&D setting.
Strategic Problem Solving: Identifies root causes of operational friction and develops scalable solutions to eliminate them.
The pay range for this position is between $101,000 to $135,000 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.