Robotics Test Specialist

Boston Dynamics is a world leader in mobile robots, tackling some of the toughest robotics challenges. We combine the principles of dynamic control and balance with sophisticated mechanical designs, cutting-edge electronics, and next-generation software for high-performance robots equipped with perception, navigation, and intelligence. Boston Dynamics has an extraordinary and fast-growing technical team of engineers and scientists who seamlessly combine advanced analytical thinking with bold engineering.

The Robotics Test Specialist operates Logistics Robotics robots, currently Stretch, and runs software and hardware tests whose results our software, hardware, firmware, and SQA engineering teams use. This is a hands-on test execution role. At this level you also run feature testing independently and help train new team members.

Key Responsibilities

Test Execution

• Run tests across three categories:

• Targeted feature (development) testing, run independently.
• Integration testing on the main software branch.
• Structured release-candidate testing on a monthly SQA cycle.

• Support hardware and firmware testing.
• Take multi-week rotations on daily stability testing, working with the developer on rotation.
• Run performance tests against defined pass criteria, such as cases per hour (CPH) and intervention rate.
• Execute test plans in TestRail and record results during each run.
• Perform data collection runs and support field testing.
• Run recurring tests independently within 30 days, and SQA release testing within 60–90 days.

Robot Preparation & Operation

• Load software builds and configurations onto robots, and prepare robots for daily testing.
• Build the developers’ daily integration build (the Dev PR train) on GitHub, following a documented procedure.
• Clean lidar and camera lenses.
• Make minor on-robot hardware adjustments and configuration changes.
• Adjust equipment parameters and settings for specific tests. Our Warehouse and Lab Operations teams handle physical setup and facility infrastructure; you may move a few boxes for some tests.
• Operate robots safely, following site procedures for e-stops, keep-out zones, and radio communication.

Defect Reporting & Documentation

• Identify and reproduce defects, anomalies, and performance deviations.
• Log and escalate unexpected robot behavior, including behavior that is uncertain rather than clearly failing.
• Write Jira incidents that include the test case, expected versus observed behavior, video of the run, and logs.
• Report test failures as software incidents by default. When there is obvious physical damage, also route the issue to Service or hardware engineering.
• Report procedural or infrastructure problems that block testing as operational incidents.
• Apply the incident criteria for each test type.
• Tag run logs and pull logs for incidents.
• Build and maintain test status reports in Google Workspace that meet company documentation standards.

Communication, Demonstrations & Training

• Communicate test status and issues to software, hardware, firmware, SQA, and operations teams, including real-time updates to developers during test runs.
• Give input on root cause when engineers ask.
• Set up and operate robots for internal and external demonstrations, using known-good software on a robot confirmed healthy at least one day in advance.
• Train new team members on test procedures, robot operation, and defect reporting.

Required Skills:

• 2+ years of hands-on testing of software builds on robots, automation equipment, or other physical systems. Hardware testing experience counts when it includes software testing.
• Experience executing written test procedures and documenting results.
• Defect tracking and test case management tools, such as Jira, TestRail, Jama, or Xray.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
• Quick to learn new user interfaces and tools.
• Clear, timely written communication with developers during test runs, in chat and in defect reports, and organized work habits.
• Ability to occasionally lift test boxes up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable with a mix of walking, sitting, and standing, on your feet about half the shift.

Preferred skills:

• Command line use (Linux, Windows PowerShell, or macOS Terminal): navigating file systems, pulling logs, connecting over SSH.
• Experience testing finished products for defects and debugging failures.
• Quality systems such as CAPA (corrective and preventive action), FRACAS (failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action system), or 6S.
• Test methods: verification and validation (V&V); feature, integration, regression, and reliability testing; deterministic and stochastic (repeated-trial) testing; software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Experience reviewing robot or machine logs and plotting data.
• Experience operating robots or automated equipment.
• Valid driver's license, for occasional travel between company buildings.

Travel & Transportation:

• Reliable transportation is required for this position.
• Possible travel up to 10%, including field testing and travel between company buildings.

We offer a friendly and growth minded workplace that encourages work-life balance while chasing ambitious goals. Our highly collaborative atmosphere has its roots in academia mixed with an entrepreneurial mindset that creates a vibrant culture.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas for this position.

Boston Dynamics will never ask you to divulge your personal financial or account information as part of its recruiting process.

The pay range for this position is between $33 to $39 hourly. 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.