Robotics Engineer III Barn Owl Precision Agriculture

Fremont Economic Development Corp.; Florence (CO); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Barn Owl Precision Ag (BOPA) is seeking a senior robotics engineer to lead the design, integration, and deployment of autonomous nano-tractors. You will own system integration across electrical, compute, and control subsystems from prototype through field validation, driving reliability and production readiness.

Location: Florence, Colorado (in-office with hybrid options in Denver/Boulder). Compensation: $130k–$160k plus meaningful equity participation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in robotics, automation, or electromechanical systems.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and embedded compute in electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with C++ and/or Python in robotics or embedded environments.

Responsibilities

• Own integration of compute, sensors, actuators, power, and comms subsystems into the ANT platform.
• Lead system bring-up from first power-on through stable, field-ready operation.
• Define and evolve control interfaces between perception, planning, and actuation.
• Drive design decisions across power, CAN, and embedded electrical systems.
• Lead cross-functional efforts spanning hardware, software, and field operations.

Skills

C++ / Python

System integration

Robotics

Field robotics

Tools

ROS2

NVIDIA Jetson

CAN bus

PCB design

Job description

Location: Florence, Colorado (in-office with flexibility for hybrid work in Denver/Boulder) Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: $130k-160k + meaningful equity participation

About Barn Owl Precision Ag (BOPA)

At BOPA, we’re building the future of autonomy for small and mid‑sized farms. Our compact, intelligent robots (ANTs) perform precision agricultural tasks like weeding, planting, and nutrient management - helping farmers cut labor costs, reduce chemical use, and increase sustainability.

We are a Seed‑stage startup with a nimble, farmer‑focused team. Our goal is to design robust, scalable robotics systems that can be deployed across the globe.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a senior, hands‑on robotics engineer to lead the design, integration, and deployment of our next generation of autonomous nano‑tractors (ANTs). This role owns critical parts of the system end‑to‑end - from electrical and electromechanical architecture through system integration, bring‑up, and field validation.

You’ll operate as a technical leader across hardware, software, and autonomy - driving decisions that impact reliability, scalability, and production readiness. You’ll lead complex integration efforts, mentor other engineers, and set the standard for how we design, debug, and ship robust robotics systems.

Ideal for a multidisciplinary engineer with strong electrical engineering fundamentals who thrives in ambiguity - owning system‑level problems and driving solutions from prototype through production deployment.

Key Responsibilities

System Integration & Bring‑Up

• Own integration of compute, sensors, actuators, power, and comms subsystems into the ANT platform
• Lead system bring‑up from first power‑on through stable, field‑ready operation
• Debug complex cross‑system issues spanning electrical, mechanical, and software domains
• Define and refine wiring, harnessing, and power distribution for robust field operation and serviceability

Testing & Validation

• Define and drive system‑level testing and validation across lab and field environments
• Lead structured root‑cause analysis of failures, driving systemic fixes across hardware and software
• Define and evolve lab and system‑level test plans, metrics, and tooling
• Drive field validation efforts, translating real‑world learnings into system and design improvements
• Own system architecture across electrical, compute, and control subsystems
• Define and evolve control interfaces between perception, planning, and actuation
• Drive design decisions across power, comms (CAN, networking), and embedded systems

Technical Leadership

• Lead complex, cross‑functional efforts spanning hardware, software, and field operations
• Mentor and guide engineers on system design, debugging, and best practices
• Set the standard for engineering quality, reliability, and execution across the platform

Success Metrics (First 12–18 Months)

• Lead successful bring‑up and stabilization of ANT systems to reliable, field‑ready operation
• Reduce system‑level failures through root‑cause resolution and improved validation processes
• Improve platform reliability, serviceability, and performance across deployments
• Capture lessons from 2026 deployments and steer improvements for future iteration

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in robotics, automation, or electromechanical systems
• Strong fundamentals in electrical engineering (power systems, wiring, PCB, system integration)
• Proven ownership of complex systems from prototype through production deployment
• Strong track record of diagnosing and resolving system‑level issues across hardware and software
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and embedded compute in electromechanical systems
• Proficiency with C++ and/or Python in robotics or embedded environments
• Experience working with field robotics, autonomous systems, or other ruggedized platforms

Bonus Points

• Experience with ROS2 and full‑stack robotics system integration
• Familiarity with NVIDIA Jetson or other embedded GPU/compute platforms
• Experience with CAN, power distribution, or embedded electrical systems
• Hands‑on experience with camera systems for computer vision and navigation
• Background in agricultural machinery, off‑road vehicles, or ruggedized robotics

Our Culture

At BOPA, we value practical impact, humility, and speed of iteration. We test everything in the field, learn fast, and build with farmers. We believe diverse perspectives lead to better designs, and we’re committed to fostering inclusion and collaboration.

Why Join Us

• Mission‑Driven Work: Build robots that transform farming and rural economies
• High Ownership: Own all hardware decisions and roadmap
• Fast Iteration: Design, build, and see your systems operating in real‑world fields within weeks
• Equity & Growth: Share in the company’s success at scale