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 detail-oriented and innovative Verification and Validation Engineer to join our hardware development team at Bonsai Robotics. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and documenting verification and validation activities for our next-generation autonomous UGV platforms. Your work will ensure that our products meet rigorous standards for safety, reliability, and performance in commercial applications.

What you'll do

• Develop and implement comprehensive verification and validation plans for mechanical, electrical, embedded systems, and user experience in autonomous UGVs.
• Design and execute test cases, protocols, and procedures to validate hardware and software functionality against requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, software, and systems engineering, product management) to ensure thorough coverage of system-level validation.
• Specify, select, and utilize test equipment and methodologies for use in harsh and demanding environments.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of issues discovered during validation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and regulatory requirements through rigorous testing.
• Document test processes, results, and deviations to support efficient knowledge transfer and future development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of verification and validation processes and best practices.
• Debug and triage units from the field, providing feedback for design improvements.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in verification and validation of hardware and embedded systems, preferably in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, aerospace, and/or agricultural industries.
• Technical Skills:
• • Proficiency with test planning, execution, and documentation tools.
  • Experience with embedded systems, power electronics, motor drives, and sensor integration.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for both digital and analog circuits.
  • Experience in CAD software (Fusion, SolidWorks) and electrical design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD).
  • Familiarity with communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, RS-232/485, SPI, I2C, etc.).
  • Understanding of EMI/EMC mitigation techniques and hardware 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.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and field testing.
  • Experience designing and executing validation cycles, debug and measurement methods.
  • Experience with lab bring-up, debug of complex electronic systems, and manufacturing testing processes.
  • Delivered multiple projects to mass production.
  • An understanding of Agile or Waterfall development methodologies.

Additional Details

• This role is majority on-site in our office in Watsonville or Davis, 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.