Embedded Compute Engineer, Robotics Hardware(Hybrid/Remote)

Field AI; Irvine (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

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.

Hardware Team

The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real‑world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera, TOF, IMU, GPS), embedded compute (CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, Linux, ROS), electrical systems (power distribution, communication), and mechanical components (structures, thermal regulation, ingress protection). The team focuses on both development (research, design, prototyping, testing) and operations (production, testing, QA, debugging). We’re a small, fast‑moving team, and we care deeply about improving: 1) core capabilities, 2) system reliability, 3) system scalability. As a growing team we are also building operational systems and procedures from the ground up.

Embedded Compute Role

As an Embedded Compute Engineer on the Hardware Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our robotic platforms. Your work will span low‑level firmware, Linux‑based configuration, and system performance analysis across ARM and x86 SBC platforms. From firmware on microcontrollers to ROS data streams on SBCs, you’ll ensure the entire compute stack is optimized, reliable, and robust under field conditions. You will collaborate closely with the sensor, electrical, and autonomy teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. Additionally, while your focus will be on computing systems you will likely contribute across all hardware domains.

What You Will Get To Do

Compute System Design

• Compute Architecture: Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection.
• Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces.
• Systems Integration: Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements.

Compute System Implementation

• Communications: Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, I²C, SPI, CAN).
• Data Pipelines: Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components.
• Systems Configuration: Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows.
• Testing: Conduct system‑level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis.
• Documentation & Budgets: Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets.

Compute System Production & Servicing

• Build: Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling.
• Debug: Support root‑cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues.
• Diagnostics Monitoring: Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools. Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking.

What You Have

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers.
• Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs).
• Linux: Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools.
• Firmware: Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare‑metal and RTOS environments.
• Programming: Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application‑level development.
• Communication Protocols: Experience with USB, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces.
• ROS Ecosystem: Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing.
• Debugging: Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers).
• Systems Thinking: Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers.

What Will Set You Apart

• Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production.
• Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.
• Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.
• Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms.

Compensation and Benefits

Our salary range is between $70,000 and $300,000 annual, but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Also, while we enjoy being together on‑site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.

We are headquartered in Irvine, Southern California and have U.S.-based and global teammates.

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.