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 hands-on and innovative Product & Documentation Engineer to join our hardware development team at Bonsai Robotics. In this role, you will be responsible for bridging the gap between R&D and scalable production, taking 0-to-1 prototypes and maturing them into robust, manufacturable products at the 10+ unit scale. Your work will ensure that early-stage concepts are engineered for repeatability, reliability, and manufacturability, enabling rapid iteration and deployment in demanding commercial environments.

What you'll do

• Collaborate with R&D, design, and manufacturing teams to refine prototypes for the 10+ and subsequent larger scale production, focusing on design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).
• Develop, document, and optimize designs and processes for building and assembling early-stage products and larger volumes requirements, including BOMs, and test protocols.
• Support, and in some cases, lead engineering changes to improve reliability, cost, and scalability as products move from prototype to 10+ units.
• Support and troubleshoot prototype builds, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
• Work closely with suppliers and contract manufacturers to source components, resolve issues, and ensure quality for small-batch production.
• Validate and iterate on product designs through hands-on testing, field deployments, and feedback from initial users, while maintaining and improving engineering documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards as products scale beyond the prototype phase.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering and production processes, capturing lessons learned to inform future products and scaling efforts.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in product engineering, hardware development, or manufacturing support, preferably in robotics, automotive, aerospace, or related industries, with a focus on transitioning prototypes to early-stage production.
• Technical Skills:
• • Experience with DFM/DFA principles and low and high volume manufacturing.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools (Fusion, SolidWorks) and process documentation.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
  • Familiarity with rapid prototyping, pilot builds, and iterative product development.
  • Understanding of quality systems, process validation, and regulatory requirements.
  • 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.
  • Delivered at least one project from prototype phase into mass production
  • Experience with hardware validation cycles, debug and measurement methods.
  • Experience with lab bring-up, debug of complex electronic systems, and manufacturing testing processes.
  • Knowledge of safety standards.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, field testing, and feedback-driven iteration.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management for early-stage hardware products.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers and external partners.
  • Familiarity with Agile or iterative development methodologies.

Additional Details

• 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.