Lead Functional Safety Engineer - Autonomous Robotics

System Safety; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Field AI seeks a Lead Functional Safety Engineer to own safety architecture for wheeled robotic platforms, including remote E-Stops, indicator lighting, and non-line-of-sight safety strategies. You will configure PLCs, ensure safe handoffs between operators and autonomy, and lead field deployment in demanding environments.

This role requires hands-on hardware work, PLC programming expertise, and the ability to mentor a growing safety team as Field AI expands its Federal projects in Irvine, CA.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience configuring, programming, and debugging Safety PLCs.
• Experience with remote E-Stops, safety relays, and safety lidars.
• Ability to operate as a self-directed individual contributor and technical authority.
• Collaboration with electrical engineers and software engineers for handoffs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement safety architectures for COTS UGV platforms in challenging environments.
• Configure and test Safety PLCs, remote E-Stops, and indicator lighting in real hardware.
• Develop safe transitions between human operators and autonomy stack with E-Stop/RC units.
• Deploy, verify, and validate safety systems on physical robots in field environments.
• Provide technical leadership and guide scalable safety testing and team growth.

Skills

Safety PLCs programming

Electrical system integration

Ladder logic

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Mechatronics

Computer Engineering

Tools

Safety PLC hardware

Job description

Field AI seeks a Lead Functional Safety Engineer to own safety architecture for wheeled robotic platforms, including remote E-Stops, indicator lighting, and non-line-of-sight safety strategies. You will configure PLCs, ensure safe handoffs between operators and autonomy, and lead field deployment in demanding environments.

This role requires hands-on hardware work, PLC programming expertise, and the ability to mentor a growing safety team as Field AI expands its Federal projects in Irvine, CA.