Forward Deployed Engineer

Field Ai; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel flexibility

PM tools experience

Customer-facing communication

Job summary

Field AI in Irvine, CA, and the broader US team is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to lead deployment of autonomous systems with customers. You will ensure configuration, testing, and operations in real-world environments while coordinating with internal teams.

You will collaborate with product and engineering to drive enhancements, implement monitoring, and train operators to enable rapid adoption and reliable field performance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, CS, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–3 years of experience in software engineering and systems integration in field robotics.
• Experience in field deployment of complex technical systems.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Git, ROS.
• Linux-based systems, containerization, and cloud familiarity.
• Strong troubleshooting across software, hardware, and networking layers.
• Self-starter mindset in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end deployment of autonomous systems in customer environments.
• Configure, test, and operate systems under real-world conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to maintain uptime and mission success.
• Collaborate with product and engineering to implement field improvements.
• Implement monitoring and diagnostic tools for sustained reliability.

Skills

Python

C++

Git

ROS

Education

Master’s degree in Robotics/CS/EE/ME

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Job

As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Field AI, you'll be at the forefront of bringing our autonomous systems to life in the real world, owning deployment, integration, and ongoing performance in the field. This role is equal parts engineering and problem-solving. You'll work hands-on with both customers and our internal teams to ensure successful operations, rapidly incorporate field feedback to improve reliability and performance, and drive adoption so our systems become mission-critical from day one. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments and want to see your work directly enable the future of autonomy, this is the role where you'll make it happen.

What You'll Get To Do

• 1. Field Deployment & Operations
• Lead the end-to-end deployment of autonomous systems in customer environments.
• Ensure systems are configured, tested, and operational under real-world conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly to maintain uptime and mission success.
• 2. System Reliability & Performance
• Gather and analyze field feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Work closely with product and engineering teams to drive enhancements into the core system.
• Implement monitoring and diagnostic tools to ensure sustained reliability.
• 3. Customer Enablement & Adoption
• Partner with customer teams to train and support operators in achieving operational readiness.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable workflows.
• Act as a trusted advisor to accelerate adoption and long-term value realization.
• 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Serve as the voice of the customer, bringing field insights back to engineering and product teams.
• Collaborate across software, hardware, and AI research groups to deliver integrated solutions.
• Contribute to building scalable deployment practices and playbooks for future rollouts.

What You Have

• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 2-3 years of experience in software engineering, systems integration in Field Robotics industry.
• Experience in field deployment of complex technical systems.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Git, ROS.
• Familiarity with Linux-based systems, containerization, and cloud infrastructure.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across software, hardware, and networking layers.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to thrive in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.

Extras That Set You Apart

• Experience deploying, operating, or maintaining mission-critical systems in real-world environments.
• Experience using Jira or Wrike or Confluence or other program management software tools
• Ability to work directly with customers in high-stakes, fast-paced settings, translating needs into technical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Willingness to travel and work on-site with customers as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

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.

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-kin 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.