About Bonsai Robotics

Bonsai Robotics develops affordable, vision-based autonomy that makes off-road equipment smarter, safer, and more productive. We are redefining outdoor autonomy with Bonsai Intelligence, a connected platform that’s inspired by biology to see, think, and act with precision like a human. We bring together advanced perception, embodied AI, integrations with equipment manufacturers, and our compact, modular Amiga vehicles to deliver reliable automation to the world’s most demanding field operations—reducing costs and increasing operational efficiencies.

About the role

We are seeking a results-driven and collaborative Systems Engineer to join our hardware development team at Bonsai Robotics. You will be responsible for architecting, integrating, and validating end-to-end systems for our next-generation autonomous UGV platforms. In this role, you will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and our partners to ensure that mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems work together seamlessly, driving advancements in automation, reliability, and performance across demanding commercial applications.

What you'll do

• Develop system architectures and specifications for autonomous UGV platforms, ensuring integration of mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.
• Lead requirements analysis, system design reviews, and risk assessments to guarantee robust system performance in harsh and variable environments.
• Collaborate with our partners, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to drive seamless hardware/software integration and troubleshoot system-level issues.
• Define and execute system validation and verification plans, including simulation, prototyping, and field testing.
• Document system designs, test procedures, results, and lessons learned to support future development and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all system designs comply with relevant safety, EMC, and regulatory standards.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis at the system level.
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of system engineering processes and best practices.
• Participate in field deployments, debugging and supporting deployed systems as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, integration, or validation in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, aerospace, or agricultural industries.
• Technical Skills:
• • Proficiency in system modeling, requirements management, and architecture design tools (e.g., SysML, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar).
  • Experience integrating hardware and software for complex electromechanical systems.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for system-level issues.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, RS-232/485, SPI, I2C, etc.).
  • Understanding of EMI/EMC mitigation and system validation testing.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bonus

• • Experience with autonomous vehicle platforms or UGVs.
  • Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance in system design.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and field testing of integrated systems.
  • Experience with automotive or off-highway system design and deployment.
  • Delivered projects from prototype through mass production.
  • Experience with hardware validation cycles, debug, and measurement methods.
  • Experience with lab bring-up, debug of complex systems, and manufacturing testing processes.
  • Familiarity with Agile or Waterfall development methodologies.

• This role is majority on-site in our office in Watsonville, CA.
• Some travel may be required to support deployed machines.

Bonsai Robotics is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other category protected by law.