Embedded Systems Engineer-Federal

Field AI; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Equity

Generous time off

Job summary

Field AI in Irvine, California is looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer to work on autonomous robotic systems. The successful candidate will build integrated solutions, specifically working with embedded compute platforms and Linux environments. This role requires experience with firmware development and proficiency in C++ and Python. The position offers a salary range of $70,000–$300,000 based on experience, alongside full benefits and flexible working hours.

Qualifications

• Experience with embedded platforms, such as Jetson, Raspberry Pi, and x86 NUCs.
• Proficiency in Linux system configuration and scripting.
• Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers.

Responsibilities

• Architect and configure embedded compute platforms for robotic applications.
• Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems.
• Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling and latency measurement.

Skills

Embedded Systems

Linux system configuration

Firmware development

Programming in C++ and Python

Communication Protocols (USB, I²C, SPI)

Debugging tools

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Tools

Linux

Jetson

Raspberry Pi

Job description

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, charting a new course, with globally deployed solutions delivering real‑world results and rapidly improving models through real‑field applications.

About the Job

At Field AI we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real‑world environments where tight integration between hardware and software is critical. We’re looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer to support design, implementation, integration, and deployment of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs.

Embedded Systems Role

As an Embedded Systems Engineer on the Federal 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. You will collaborate closely with the sensor, electrical, and autonomy teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments.

Responsibilities

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 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.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience Level: Entry 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 and how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms.

Eligibility

This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team, which works on projects connected to the U.S. government and requires U.S. Person eligibility. A U.S. Person is defined by 22 C.F.R § 120.62 and includes U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000–$300,000, based on relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and fit to the qualifications outlined above. The package includes full benefits, equity, and generous time off.

Onsite Work Philosophy

This is a fully onsite role. Candidates will be expected to work from our Mission Viejo, CA office. We offer flexible working hours to support focus and work‑life balance.

EEO Statement

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are 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.