The posting
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 Test Technician operates Logistics Robotics robots 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 multi-tier testing:
- Targeted feature (development) testing.
- Integration testing on the main software branch.
- Structured release-candidate testing on a monthly SQA cycle.
- Support hardware and firmware testing.
- Daily stability testing - Participate in multi-week rotations on daily stability testing, working with the developer on rotation.
- Performance testing - runs with defined pass criteria, such as cases per hour (CPH) and intervention rate.
- Execute and record test plans and results in TestRail during each run.
- Perform data collection runs and support field testing.
- Run recurring tests independently within 30 days, and SQA release and feature testing within 60 days.
Robot Preparation & Operation
- Stage and install software builds and configurations onto robots, and prepare robots for daily testing.
- Build the daily dev PR build, following a documented Git workflow.
- Make minor on-robot hardware adjustments and configuration changes.
- Adjust equipment parameters and settings for specific tests.
- Prepare test runs, including occasional box handling.
- Operate robots safely, following site procedures for e-stops, keep-out zones, and radio communication.
- Clean lidar and camera lenses.
Defect Reporting & Documentation
- Identify, reproduce, and document defects, anomalies, and performance deviations, following established procedures.
- Escalate unexpected robot behavior based on each test tier’s reporting criteria.
- Report test failures via Jira incidents that include the test case, expected versus observed behavior, video evidence, and logs.
- Support SW and HW engineering triage with run-specific context when prompted.
- Maintain test status reports.
- Report blockers and infrastructure problems that impede testing operations.
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.
- Set up and operate robots for internal and external demonstrations, using known-good software on verified healthy robots.
- Train new team members on test procedures, robot operation, and defect reporting.
Required Qualifications:
- 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 and timely written and verbal communication skills, particularly when filing bug reports or providing live feedback to developers.
- 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 Qualifications:
- 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), and 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.
