R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

Field Ai; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Field AI in Irvine, California seeks an Assembly Technician for Perception & Compute Payloads. This role involves assembling, integrating, and validating sensing payloads in robotics, ensuring reliability and performance.

The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience in an electro-mechanical assembly environment, proficiency with hand tools, and a strong attention to detail. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and diverse work environments.

Qualifications

• Must have 2+ years of hands-on technician experience in relevant fields.
• Experience with assembly instructions and wiring diagrams is essential.
• Ability to work with electro-mechanical systems necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and validate sensing and compute payloads for robotics.
• Conduct system testing, debugging, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare payloads for deployment and support field operations.

Skills

Hands-on technician experience

Proficiency with hand tools

Attention to detail

Ability to read wiring diagrams

Education

2+ years in robotics or related fields

Tools

Low-voltage electrical systems

Embedded compute systems

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.

As an Assembly Technician for Perception & Compute Payloads, you will be a hands‑on contributor responsible for assembling, integrating, and validating Field AI’s sensing and compute payloads. You will build electro‑mechanical subsystems, integrate sensors and embedded compute platforms, perform harnessing and power system checks, support functional testing, and ensure every payload is field‑ready and reliable. This role bridges mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and practical system‑level debugging. You will support both prototype development and production workflows while working closely with engineers to improve build processes and increase system reliability.

What You Will Get To Do

Payload Assembly & Integration

• Assemble perception payloads including LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS receivers, and auxiliary sensors using engineering drawings and build instructions.
• Install and integrate CPU/GPU compute modules, carrier boards, and microcontroller‑based subsystems.
• Build and route wire harnesses for power, high‑speed data, synchronization, and control.
• Install mounts, enclosures, gaskets, seals, thermal components, and structural hardware.

Electrical, Power, and Communication Bring‑Up

• Perform continuity checks, grounding/EMI checks, and power‑rail validation.
• Assist in bring‑up of Linux‑ or ROS2‑based embedded compute systems.
• Validate communication links across Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other interfaces.
• Verify correct connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain‑relief practices.

System Testing & Quality Assurance

• Run functional tests including sensor bring‑up, calibration checks, compute boot/health tests, and network verification.
• Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions with high accuracy.
• Support environmental, vibration, mechanical alignment, and thermal characterization tests led by hardware engineers.
• Conduct inspections for workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety.

Debugging & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root‑cause issues and improve build processes.
• Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and opportunities to streamline production.

Field & Operations Support

• Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real‑world deployment.
• Support integration and troubleshooting activities during lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations.
• Perform rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments.

What You Have

• 2+ years of hands‑on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related electro‑mechanical assembly environments.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, and basic machine‑shop tools.
• Ability to read and follow wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Experience building wire harnesses and working with low‑voltage electrical systems.
• Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to deliver reliable assemblies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in workshop, lab, or field environments.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience working with perception systems such as LiDAR, cameras, radar, or IMUs.
• Familiarity with Linux, ROS2, or embedded system bring‑up workflows.
• Soldering, crimping, or IPC‑certified workmanship skills.
• Understanding of thermal management, weather sealing, EMI/EMC basics, and ruggedized mechanical design.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, rapid iteration cycles, or field test deployments.
• Ability to design or suggest simple fixtures or jigs to improve assembly and repeatability.
• Experience assembling complex electro‑mechanical systems, especially robotics, drones, or ruggedized field hardware.

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.