Senior Staff Optical Sensor Systems Engineer - Atlas

As an Optical Sensor Systems Engineer, you will be a key technical leader responsible for the end-to-end design, development, and validation of our integrated optical sensor systems for robotic platforms and automation products. Your expertise will be crucial in defining specifications, evaluating module performance, and enabling our robotic systems with unparalleled optical sensor inputs. You'll drive innovation, troubleshoot complex challenges, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in optical sensing modalities.

Boston Dynamics is a world leader in mobile robots, tackling some of the toughest robotics challenges. For years, our awe-inspiring viral videos on YouTube have shown the world what remarkably capable robots can do. Now we are quickly becoming a recognized leader in automation solutions for industrial applications and warehouse logistics.  

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the architectural definition and design of complex optical modules and imaging systems, balancing optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, lighting, and software considerations. Drive critical design decisions and contribute to the product roadmap.

• Investigate hardware dependencies on AI/ML features for next-generation modules through characterization, image simulation studies and prototyping.

• Spearhead the research, evaluation, and selection of cutting-edge optical sensors based on rigorous performance criteria.

• Define and critically evaluate optical systems for optimal performance, ensuring excellence in MTF, distortion, chromatic aberration, and stray light control.

• Design active lighting schemes to optimize image quality and power.

• Act as Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for optical products, ensuring compliance with FDA and other relevant standards.

• Develop and execute advanced test plans for optical sensor prototypes, performing deep-dive characterization of imagers, lenses, and sensors performance.

• Design, implement, and lead comprehensive objective and subjective image quality (IQ) testing, covering parameters like color accuracy, white balance, exposure, sharpness, and noise.

• Employ and develop advanced image quality analysis tools.

• Work with contract manufacturer, image and ISP SoC vendors to develop Image Signal Processor (ISP) parameters to optimize image quality across diverse challenging environments and use cases.

• Proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve complex image quality artifacts and propose innovative solutions.

• Develop and deploy manufacturing ready end-to-end calibration solutions for optical systems including algorithm test sequence, motion stage/robotics control, and data capturing/processing.

• Own the development and execution of robust validation plans for production-ready optical sensor systems, ensuring compliance with all functional, performance, reliability, and regulatory requirements.

• Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for test (DFT) initiatives for optical subsystems.

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering (Robotics, Computers, Software, Electrical, Systems, or similar). 

• 10+ years of experience in electromechanical hardware product development, including meaningful ownership of complex product launches.

• Exceptional written & verbal communication, interpersonal skills, collaboration, and conflict resolution. 

The base pay range for this position is between $150,000 to $190,000 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.