Senior Robotics Engineer

Mantis Ag Technology; Gonzales (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with matched contributions

Flexible PTO

Hybrid work in Gonzales, CA

Job summary

Mantis Ag Technology, based in Gonzales, CA, is seeking a Senior Robotics Engineer to lead the vision and odometry hardware stack, including sensor interfaces, lighting, and rugged packaging. You will work across disciplines to deliver production-ready systems for agricultural robotics.

The role emphasizes ownership of perception platforms, with a hybrid work setup in Gonzales and occasional travel for field testing. Competitive salary and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• BS in Robotics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
• 7+ years designing robotic or sensor platforms.
• Experience moving perception platforms from prototyping to production.
• Harness routing, connectors, and rugged outdoor packaging.
• CAD proficiency and DFM/DFA knowledge.
• Experience with component selection and sourcing.
• Familiarity with engineering change control.
• Graduate degree in Robotics or related field (preferred).
• Experience with sensor fusion, localization, or ROS/OpenCV (preferred).
• Experience with agricultural machinery (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Design and architect machine vision systems, including optics, illumination, mounting, and calibration.
• Develop rugged packaging for cameras, sensors, and embedded compute in harsh environments.
• Implement odometry and localization for row-crop environments.
• Integrate PCBs, wiring, and cabling into field-ready assemblies.
• Coordinate DFMs with suppliers to ensure manufacturability.
• Define test fixtures and calibration procedures for optical hardware.
• Analyze performance and field data to guide hardware/software revisions.
• Support field testing and resolve escalated system failures.

Skills

Robotics design

Vision systems

Sensor integration

CAD proficiency

DFM/DFA

Engineering change control

Component sourcing

Education

BS in Robotics / Electrical / Computer Engineering

Graduate degree in Robotics (preferred)

Tools

C/C++

Python

OpenCV

ROS

Job description

Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 / year

About Mantis

Mantis Ag Technology is an innovative agricultural technology company focused on developing advanced automation and precision material application services to improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in modern farming. Based in Gonzales, CA, we work at the intersection of agriculture and cutting-edge engineering to bring practical, scalable solutions to growers.

Position Overview

We are hiring a Senior Robotics Engineer to direct the design and deployment of our vision and odometry systems. This role requires ownership of the vision and odometry hardware stacks: sensor and data interface selection, lighting system design, packaging sensors and compute, and integrating these with the rest of the design. Candidates should be comfortable working across disciplines to design rugged, production-ready systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect machine vision systems, including optics, illumination, mounting, calibration, and field serviceability.
• Develop ruggedized packaging for cameras, sensors, and embedded compute platforms exposed to dust, vibration, water, and temperature extremes.
• Implement vehicle odometry and localization systems for row-crop environments.
• Integrate PCBAs, wiring harnesses, connectors, and cabling into field-maintainable assemblies.
• Manage design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and coordinate with suppliers on fabrication and assembly.
• Define test fixtures, calibration protocols, and validation procedures for optical hardware and localization models.
• Analyze performance and field reliability data to isolate root causes and guide hardware and software revisions.
• As part of the engineering and software team, participate in field testing alongside the teams and resolve occasional escalated system failures.

Qualifications

Required

• BS in Robotics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of experience in designing maintainable robotic, vision, or sensor platforms.
• Demonstrated history of taking perception platforms through prototyping, testing, and into production.
• Experience with harness routing, connector selection, and packaging sensitive electronics for harsh outdoor environments.
• CAD proficiency and knowledge of DFM/DFA principles.
• Experience with component selection, evaluation, and sourcing.
• Familiarity with engineering change control.

Preferred

• Graduate degree in Robotics or a related field.
• Proficiency with sensor fusion, state estimation, or mobile platform localization.
• Familiarity with perception software and computer vision using C/C++, Python, OpenCV, or ROS.
• Prior work with agricultural machinery or other off-highway vehicles.

The annual salary range is $150,000 to $200,000, with eligibility for a performance-based year-end bonus. The starting offer will reflect relevant experience, technical breadth, and the scope at which the candidate can operate. Mantis offers flexible PTO, health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with matched contributions, and opportunities to grow with a small cross-functional team.

This position is a hybrid arrangement in Gonzales, CA, with project-based field visits. Occasional travel to Yuma, AZ may be required for field testing during the winter produce season.

Mantis Ag Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.