Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Knightscope is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the K7 charging and docking program — the technical focal point and product owner for how the K7 Autonomous Security Robot replenishes energy in the field. This is a cross-functional systems role, with emphasis on electrical and mechanical engineering, on the ASR Software team. You will own the systems architecture across charging and docking, beginning with on-grid charging and docking for Beta deployments and extending to off-grid (solar) charging systems for power-constrained deployment regions. Charging-control and docking-autonomy software is developed elsewhere within the team; this role owns the hardware and systems architecture and integrates that software into a fielded, reliable product.

Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ (No relocation provided)

About the Role

Reporting to the K7 Chief Program Engineer, you will operate as a cross-functional systems engineer for charging and docking, with primary depth in electrical and mechanical engineering and the breadth to integrate across the full system. You will own the architecture and execution from concept through validation and field readiness: plug-in (J1772) charging and auto-docking first, then the off-grid solar charging system that lets K7 operate where grid power is unavailable. You will work on-site at our Sunnyvale HQ — when a charging or docking issue surfaces, you own it until it is resolved, balancing cost, reliability, manufacturability, and field performance throughout.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the charging and docking program end to end — serve as the single point of technical accountability for all aspects of K7 charging and docking, on-grid first and off-grid solar to follow, from concept through field qualification.
• Own the electrical and power systems architecture — spanning plug-in (J1772) charging, wireless and auto-docking, on-board charging, power conversion, and energy storage interfaces.
• Lead the off-grid solar charging architecture — PV array sizing, high-voltage battery storage, inverter and charge-controller selection, and site power budgeting for power-constrained deployment regions.
• Define requirements and validation — set charging and docking requirements, validation plans, and acceptance criteria, and drive design tradeoffs from early concept through prototyping and field qualification.
• Integrate software into the product — partner with the software team that develops charging-control and docking-autonomy software, defining interfaces and integrating their work into a fielded, reliable system.
• Select and qualify hardware — chargers, connectors, contactors, power conversion, and battery interfaces, qualified against reliability, fault-response, and cost-down targets.
• Drive program execution — manage schedule, technical risk, and BOM cost targets; lead design reviews and gate readiness; and partner with supply chain and manufacturing on cost, quality, reliability, and scalability.
• Support the field and the business — provide site requirements, installation standards, specification reviews, and proposal support to sales and service, and root-cause field issues with the K7 Chief Program Engineer and executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in electrical and power systems product development, with demonstrated ownership of electromechanical hardware programs from concept through production.
• Deep expertise in power electronics, battery charging, energy storage, and high-voltage systems.
• Direct experience with one or more of: EV charging (J1772 or inductive), PV/solar power systems, off-grid energy storage, or DC fast-charging architectures.
• Strong understanding of system architecture across power conversion, connectors, contactors, thermal management, and fault-response design, plus the electromechanical design of docking mechanisms, alignment, and mating interfaces.
• Experience taking electrical hardware from prototype through production with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (UL, NEC, J1772, and applicable electrical and installation standards) is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex programs to closure in a fast-paced, startup environment; strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills under ambiguity.
• Able to work on-site at Sunnyvale HQ, with travel to deployment sites and suppliers as needed.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual as defined by applicable law).

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $160,000 – $195,000 (DOE)
• Equity: Stock options
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off
• Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ