Forward Deployed Engineer - Irvine, CA

FieldAI; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Field AI in Irvine, CA is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to deploy and sustain autonomous systems in real-world customer environments. You’ll own end-to-end field deployment, troubleshooting, and performance improvements, collaborating with product, software, hardware, and AI teams to deliver reliable, mission-critical solutions.

Ideal candidates have 2–3 years in software engineering or systems integration within field robotics, strong Python/C++, ROS, Git, and Linux expertise, and a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–3 years of software engineering or systems integration experience in field robotics.
• Experience deploying complex technical systems in the field.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end deployment of autonomous systems in customer environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues to maintain uptime and mission success.
• Collaborate with product and engineering to implement field feedback.
• Train and enable customers to achieve operational readiness.

Skills

Python

C++

Git

ROS

Linux

Containerization

Cloud infrastructure

Troubleshooting

Self-starter

Field robotics experience

Education

Master’s degree in Robotics/CS/EE

Tools

Jira

Wrike

Confluence

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.

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.

The 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

Our salary range is between ($70,000 - $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.

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.