Robotics Autonomy Engineer, Systems
Who are We?
Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.
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About the Job
At FieldAI, we’re building autonomy for robots that operate in the real world, in harsh environments, and under challenging conditions where traditional sensing breaks down. We’re looking for a Robotics Autonomy Engineer - Systems to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack for robots operating in unstructured terrains, taking responsibility for performance, robustness, and deployment on new platforms and sensor configurations. You’ll work hands-on across software and hardware for integrating LiDAR, RADAR and multispectral, and sensing into production autonomy systems and delivering capabilities that directly support customers.
What You Will Do
1. Build and Maintain Perception Systems
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Design, implement, and maintain perception systems for autonomous robots operating in real-world environments.
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Develop robust localization and mapping capabilities that perform reliably in unstructured, off-road, and field conditions.
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Continuously evaluate and improve perception performance through testing, iteration, and field validation.
2. Develop and Integrate Sensor-Based Perception
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Implement perception algorithms that fuse data from multiple sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, RADAR and inertial sensors.
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Support the integration of new sensing modalities and sensor configurations as robotic platforms evolve.
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Ensure perception software operates reliably across simulation and real-world deployments.
3. Deploy Perception Software on Real Robots
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Bring perception algorithms from development to deployment on physical robotic systems.
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Debug and resolve issues discovered during on-robot testing and field operations.
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Collaborate with autonomy, controls, and platform teams to ensure perception systems integrate cleanly into the full autonomy stack.
4. Improve System Robustness and Scalability
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Contribute to code quality, testing, and long-term maintainability of perception systems.
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Develop tools, metrics, and tests to monitor performance and catch regressions over time.
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Help scale perception solutions across multiple robots, environments, and missions.
5. Collaborate Across Teams
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Work closely with engineers, researchers, and operators to define perception requirements and deliver reliable solutions.
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Communicate technical designs, tradeoffs, and results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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Support field operations and customer demonstrations by ensuring perception systems are production-ready.
What You Have
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PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research experience, or BS degree in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
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Strong background in robot perception, localization, and mapping (SLAM) for real-world robotic systems.
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Hands-on experience developing and deploying perception software in field robotics environments (not just simulation).
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Proficiency in modern robotics software development (C++, Python) and ROS/ROS2 based systems.
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Experience working with robot perception and state estimation (VIO, LIO, mapping, sensor fusion etc.).
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Ability to take ownership of complex subsystems, from design through field deployment and long-term maintenance.
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Comfort working close to hardware, including debugging sensor data, calibration, and real-world failures.
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Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently in fast-moving, small teams.
The Extras That Set You Apart
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Experience with thermal, LWIR, or multispectral passive sensing for robotic perception.
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Experience integrating and calibrating custom sensor rigs (e.g., stereo, thermal, or multi-LiDAR setups).
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Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, performance regression testing, and benchmarking for perception systems.
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Experience aligning or unifying perception stacks across multiple platforms or product lines.
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Demonstrated leadership in research, field operations, or mentoring junior engineers and researchers.
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Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $100,000-$200,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time.
Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy
At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our Irvine, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.
Why Join Field AI?
We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.
You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.
We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates.
Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Skills
As published by lever · 16 questions · 1 written answer
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Field AI
Short answers (8)
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- Are you legally authorized to work in the country where this position is located?
- Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for a work visa or employment authorization to work in the country where this position is located?
- Are you at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to perform the duties of this position?
- I certify that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false or misleading information may result in the rejection of my application or termination of employment if discovered after hire. optional
- 1. Please confirm that you are either: (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder); or (3) protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). optional
- 3. Please indicate whether you ever been indicted for or convicted of violating any of the U.S. Criminal statues enumerated in 22 CFR 120.6 or violating a foreign criminal law on exportation of defense articles where conviction of such law carries a minimum term of imprisonment of greater than one year. optional
- 4. Please indicate whether you have been declared ineligible to contract with, or to receive a license or other approval to import defense articles or defense services from, or to receive an export license or other approval from, any agency of the U.S. Government. optional
Written answers (1)
- 2. If NO, please indicate your country of citizenship and, if different, the country in which you have most recently obtained citizenship or permanent residency status. This information will be used to determine whether it would be possible to obtain any required license from the U.S. government. (Enter in "N/A" if marked Yes above)