About Bonsai Robotics

Bonsai Robotics mission is to create the next leap forward in agriculture equipment efficiency by creating a new ecosystem of semi-autonomous robotic machinery. Orchards are dusty, hazard-filled, and GPS-denied. The GPS-based autosteer features that have driven row crop efficiencies cannot function in orchards. Our vision, AI, and machine control systems offer human-level environment understanding and local navigation capabilities and will be the platform for a new wave of innovation in agricultural production and management systems.

We simultaneously solve twin crises impacting nut growers and most of specialty agriculture: there is not enough human labor when you need it, and operational expenses are growing dramatically. Our state-of-the-art technology empowers orchard managers to optimize their operations, dramatically reduce operational expenses, and increase profitability. We are pursuing a Bonsai Inside strategy, and partnering with the largest orchard Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the retrofitting of existing machines and design of new form factors.

About the role

Bonsai Robotics is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, implement, and optimize the control systems for our autonomous farm vehicles. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including planning, perception, platform, and hardware engineers to deliver robust and precise vehicle control for challenging agricultural environments.

What you'll do

• Design and develop real-time control algorithms for autonomous vehicles, including steering, speed, and implement controls
• Implement robust feedback and feedforward control systems to ensure accurate path tracking and high precision
• Collaborate with perception and navigation teams to integrate control systems with localization and mapping solutions
• Analyze and tune vehicle performance under varying field conditions to achieve stability and responsiveness
• Develop and refine vehicle dynamic models for simulation and testing purposes
• Optimize control strategies for challenging agricultural terrains (e.g., uneven ground, crop rows, variable loads) in GNSS  denied environments.
• Perform root cause analysis of control-related issues and implement long-term fixes.
• Work with hardware teams to integrate control systems with actuators, sensors, and other components
• Document designs, test plans, and system performance for internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

Strong candidates will exhibit...

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in control systems engineering, preferably in autonomous systems or vehicles
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools such as ROS-based tools
• Strong understanding of control theory, vehicle dynamics, and real-time systems
• Experience with low-level programming in C++ and/or Python
• Hands-on experience tuning controllers (e.g., PID, MPC) in real-world environments
• Familiarity with CAN bus communication protocols and embedded systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Knowledge of path planning and optimization techniques
• Familiarity with testing tools in different levels e.g. unit testing and integration testing

Bonus points for...

• Experience working with agricultural equipment or other off-road vehicles
• Familiarity with ROS2 and its integration with control systems
• Exposure to GNSS-based navigation and sensor fusion techniques
• Understanding of functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262)