SVP of Engineering

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 an exceptional SVP of Engineering to lead the full engineering organization at Bonsai Robotics, spanning both software and hardware. This senior role will be responsible for translating engineering vision into execution across a multidisciplinary organization, and building the systems, teams, and processes needed to scale our autonomy platform and vehicle programs. Reporting into executive company leadership, the SVP of Engineering will partner closely with product, operations, and go-to-market leaders to translate business priorities into technical roadmaps and delivered outcomes.

What you'll do

• Lead the execution of the overall engineering strategy for Bonsai Robotics across software, hardware, autonomy, AI, applications, and platform development.
• Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing multidisciplinary engineering organization, fostering accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Own engineering execution across the company, ensuring alignment of architecture, roadmaps, staffing, budgets, and milestones with company priorities.
• Partner closely with product, operations, business development, and executive leadership to deliver the technical strategy required to support customers, partners, and internal programs.
• Drive the development of integrated hardware and software systems for autonomous off-road platforms, ensuring performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturability.
• Ensure proper technical rigor in system architecture, development practices, validation, release readiness, and root cause analysis across all engineering functions.
• Establish operating mechanisms, planning processes, and metrics that improve predictability, cross-functional coordination, and speed of execution.
• Oversee engineering resource allocation and investment decisions, balancing near-term delivery needs with long-term platform strategy.
• Champion strong collaboration between software and hardware teams so systems are developed as cohesive products rather than isolated functions.
• Represent engineering at the executive level, clearly communicating status, risks, tradeoffs, and strategic recommendations.
• Support field deployments, customer escalations, and major technical decisions as needed to ensure successful product outcomes.
• Guide organizational design and leadership development across engineering, including succession planning, hiring, performance management, and team health.

Strong Candidates Will Exhibit the Following Key Traits

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 15+ years of engineering experience, including substantial leadership of both software and hardware organizations, with a strong track record of building and scaling multidisciplinary teams. Proven success delivering complex products from concept through deployment and commercialization in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, industrial automation, or related industries.

Technical & Leadership Skills:

• Demonstrated success leading, directing and managing engineering leaders across multiple domains, including hardware, autonomy, AI, application development, and platform engineering.
• Strong systems-level understanding of robotics and autonomous products, including the interaction of software, hardware, AI, controls, and field performance.
• Experience establishing engineering operating rhythms, cross-functional planning processes, and execution metrics in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong product and business judgment, with the ability to translate company strategy into clear engineering priorities and organizational decisions.
• Experience with engineering budget planning, headcount management, and tradeoff decisions across multiple product and platform investments.
• Ability to attract, develop, and retain exceptional engineering talent while building a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence at the executive, technical, and cross-functional levels.
• Experience leading engineering organizations in startup or growth-stage environments.

Bonus Points For

• Background in off-road autonomy, agriculture, construction, mining, or other demanding field robotics applications.
• Experience delivering integrated autonomy platforms that combine AI, robotics, vehicle systems, and customer-facing software.
• Experience scaling engineering teams through major product transitions, including pilot deployments, production ramp, and platform expansion.
• Track record of building strong engineering leadership benches and succession plans.

Additional Details

• This role is majority on-site at our offices in San Jose and Watsonville, CA.
• Some travel may be required to support customers, partners, field deployments, and key company initiatives.

Life at Bonsai Robotics

At Bonsai, we're building the future of robotics and we know that means investing in our people. We're committed to creating a workplace where you can do your best work, grow your skills, and feel genuinely part of something bigger.

Hybrid Flexibility (for selective roles)

We operate on a hybrid model because we believe the best collaboration happens both in person and from where you work best. You'll have the flexibility to split your time between our office and home, so you can stay connected to the team while maintaining the balance that works for you.

Work-life Balance

The best employees are those who create balance in their lives, which is why we prioritize balance and well-being for everyone at Bonsai. We foster a supportive environment where teammates look out for each other.

Covered Lunch

On in-office days, we've got lunch covered. It's a small thing that makes a big difference, with more time to connect with teammates and less to worry about.

Wellness and Benefits

Your health matters. We offer comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), mental health support, and wellness programs designed to help you thrive both physically and mentally.

Collaborative Culture

At Bonsai, you're not just part of a team, you're part of a community. We celebrate wins together, support each other through challenges, and genuinely enjoy the people we work with. From team events to cross-functional collaboration, we're building something together.

Mission-driven Work

Every day, you're contributing to advancements in robotics that matter. If you're excited about innovation and impact, you'll find it here.

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.