Field Operations Intern

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 energetic, hands-on Field Operations Intern to join our team at our primary test farm in Davis, California. This internship offers a unique, direct opportunity to work alongside field engineers and robotics developers, helping run daily testing, troubleshoot equipment, and maintain cutting-edge autonomous agricultural machinery under real-world conditions.

If you are a student driven by innovation, love being outdoors in the field, and are eager to gain practical experience supporting autonomous systems and agtech, we want to hear from you.

What you'll do

• Test Farm Operations: Assist in the daily setup, staging, operation, and field testing of our autonomous vehicles and equipment at our Davis test facility.
• Essential Test Site & Fleet Support: Keep field testing running efficiently by maintaining an organized, safe, and ready testing environment, managing equipment staging, and assisting with local part and component transport between facilities and test plots.
• Test Plan Execution: Execute structured test plans to evaluate hardware, software, machine vision sensors, and overall system performance under varied field conditions.
• Basic Support & Maintenance: Help diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues on test machinery, assisting the team with immediate field fixes and routine hardware maintenance.
• Data Collection & Documentation: Meticulously collect, log, and document test run results, system issues, and performance metrics to share with Engineering and Product teams.
• Logistics & Equipment Prep: Help maintain test farm inventory, prepare prototype equipment for testing sessions, and ensure test rigs and tools are properly organized and calibrated.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with field operations, hardware, and software engineering teams to communicate on-the-ground observations and help keep operations running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Education Focus: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Ag Systems Technology, Agronomy, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on Aptitude: Comfort and experience working around mechanical tools, basic electronics, or outdoor machinery (farm machinery, shop tools, or robotics projects).
• Problem-Solving Skills: Practical, methodical approach to troubleshooting complex equipment involving integrated hardware and software.
• Communication & Teamwork: Strong verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative, eager-to-learn mindset and a "no task too small" attitude toward operational success.
• Physical & Outdoor Readiness: Ability to work comfortably outdoors on the test farm in varying seasonal weather conditions. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Location & Travel: Based locally near Davis, CA. Position is centered at the Davis test farm with occasional travel to nearby local partner fields (up to 15%). Must possess a valid driver's license for local component runs.

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 (for full-time employees)

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.

The pay range for this role is:
18 - 23 USD per hour(Davis, CA)