Sr. Systems Engineer
About the role
Knightscope is a security technology company building the Nation’s First Autonomous Security Force. The Company combines autonomous machines, advanced software, and human expertise to help protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. Knightscope’s long-term mission is to make the United States of America the safest country in the world.
Job Summary
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.
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 (No relocation provided)