Principal Performance Software Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Performance Software Engineer to join the Atlas Systems Software Team at Boston Dynamics. In this role, you will be crucial in advancing Atlas as an amazing, AI-driven robot by optimizing the on-board accelerated compute system to its fullest potential. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy a fast-paced environment, are comfortable with rapid prototyping and iteration, and thrive on independent work across a variety of products. While prior robotics experience is beneficial, candidates with strong optimized software development experience in industries like Video Games, Automotive, or Mobile Apps are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the compute performance budget on Atlas, making critical tradeoff decisions.
• Develop highly optimized real-time software leveraging modern GPU and AI accelerator technologies.
• Methodically analyze system performance, clearly identifying bottlenecks and proposing solutions.
• Collaborate with roboticists to achieve the optimal balance between performance and capability.
• Debug and perform root-cause analysis on complex system failures in simulation, lab, and field environments.
• Create robust testing approaches to ensure that hard-won performance gains are maintained and do not regress.

Desired Experience

• 8+ years of C++ software development in high-performance environments.
• Expertise in performance analysis techniques and tools.
• Strong Linux systems knowledge, including process/thread scheduling, IPC systems, and file systems.
• Exposure to image and video processing fundamentals.
• Experience implementing advanced model optimization techniques—such as quantization, pruning, and kernel tuning—to deploy high-performance AI models on resource-constrained GPU or accelerator hardware.

About Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics is a global leader in mobile robots, renowned for tackling some of the most challenging robotics problems. Our viral YouTube videos have showcased the remarkable capabilities of our robots. We are rapidly becoming a recognized leader in automation solutions for industrial applications and warehouse logistics.

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.

Compensation & Benefits

The base pay range for this position is between $177,207 to $243,660 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 an annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.

Key skills/competency

• C++
• Performance Analysis
• GPU Optimization
• AI Accelerators
• Linux Systems
• Real-time Software
• Robotics
• Debugging
• Bottleneck Identification
• Model Optimization