Sr. Supervisor, R&D Build

Sr. Supervisor, R&D Build

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.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years in prototype or low-volume manufacturing with a focus on electromechanical subassemblies, system integration, or robotics.
• 2+ years of direct team leadership or supervisory experience in a technical build environment.
• Deep familiarity with precision assembly (torque control, press fits, alignment, bonding/potting, motor winding, and cable/harness routing).
• 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 drive trains; 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.