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 diligent and detail-oriented Safety and Compliance Engineer to join our hardware development team at Bonsai Robotics. In this critical role, you will be responsible for ensuring our autonomous UGV platforms meet all relevant domestic and international safety standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and monitor robust compliance strategies, conduct risk assessments, and validate system safety across product lifecycles. Your expertise will help drive advancements in safe automation and operational reliability for demanding commercial applications.

What you'll do

• Develop and maintain safety and compliance requirements for autonomous UGV platforms, including mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.
• Lead risk assessments, hazard analyses, and system safety reviews to identify and mitigate potential safety issues in harsh and variable environments.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure hardware and software designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508), EMC regulations, and other applicable requirements.
• Specify, select, and qualify components and subsystems to meet regulatory and safety criteria.
• Design and execute safety validation and compliance testing plans, including simulation, prototyping, field testing, and documentation.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of safety-related issues.
• Document compliance processes, test plans, and results to support efficient knowledge transfer and future development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of safety and compliance processes and best practices.
• Provide guidance on regulatory changes and assist in obtaining necessary certifications for products (e.g. CE marking).

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Safety Engineering, or related discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in safety engineering, compliance, or regulatory affairs, preferably in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, aerospace, and/or agricultural industries.
• Technical Skills:
• • Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508, OSHA, CE, FCC).
  • Experience conducting risk assessments, hazard analyses, and FMEA.
  • Knowledge of EMC/EMI mitigation and regulatory testing procedures.
  • Ability to develop, implement, and document compliance and safety programs.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for system-level safety issues.
  • Experience in CAD tools (Fusion, SolidWorks).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bonus 
• • Experience with autonomous vehicle platforms or UGVs.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and field testing for safety validation.
  • Delivered projects from prototype phase into mass production with full compliance.
  • Experience with lab bring-up, debug of complex electronic systems, and manufacturing testing processes.
  • Background in designing for automotive/off-highway environments with emphasis on safety.
  • Understanding of Agile or Waterfall development methodologies as they pertain to safety and compliance.

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.