Robotics Autonomy Engineer-Planning and Control-Federal

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

Job summary

Field AI is seeking a Robotics Autonomy Engineer – Planning and Control to develop advanced algorithms for robotic motion in dynamic environments. You will work on navigation, control systems, and ensure robots navigate and operate effectively.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in Robotics or a similar field and significant programming experience in C++ and Python. The role is open to hybrid or remote work arrangements while contributing to projects involving the U.S. government.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics or related field.
• Experience with motion planning and control systems.
• Familiarity with ROS and robotic sensors.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and deploy motion planning algorithms.
• Develop control algorithms for precise tracking.
• Build testing pipelines for algorithm validation.

Skills

Motion planning

Trajectory generation

Control systems

C++ programming

Python programming

Robotics middleware (ROS)

Robot sensors (LiDAR, cameras)

Education

Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

OMPL

MoveIt

Job description

About the Job

Field AI is building the future of autonomy, from rugged terrain to real-world deployment. We are on a mission to develop intelligent, adaptable robotic systems that operate beyond simulation and thrive in unpredictable environments.

As our Robotics Autonomy Engineer – Planning and Control, you will design, implement, and deploy advanced motion planning and control algorithms that enable our robots to move with precision, robustness, and efficiency across diverse environments. You will work on navigation, trajectory generation, and motion control for robotic platforms ranging from wheeled and legged systems to complex humanoid architectures. If enabling robots to navigate challenging, dynamic environments excites you, and you want to work where your code works in the physical world - this is your role. This is Field AI.

What You’ll Get To Do

1. Develop Robust Motion Planning Algorithms

• Design, develop, and refine motion and navigation planning algorithms for challenging real-world scenarios such as narrow passages, dynamic obstacles, and complex environments.
• Design optimization-driven approaches for path and trajectory generation that ensure smooth, reliable, and efficient robot navigation across modalities.
• Ensure scalability, reusability, and adaptability of planning approaches across diverse deployment contexts.

2. Advance Control and Planning Integration

• Develop and tune control algorithms that ensure precise trajectory tracking and stable operation across different robotic systems.
• Collaborate across autonomy layers to ensure seamless coordination between perception, planning, and control for robust real-world performance.

3. Validate and Test Across the Stack

• Build and maintain testing pipelines from unit-level validation to full robot deployment.
• Utilize simulation and testing environments for algorithm evaluation, benchmarking, and regression validation.
• Analyze real-world telemetry to diagnose issues, identify improvements, and enhance algorithm robustness.

4. Diagnose and Improve Field Performance

• Investigate and resolve issues arising from field deployments through structured data analysis and debugging.
• Deliver targeted improvements that address specific challenges while maintaining general‑case reliability and performance.

What You Have

• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (PhD a plus).
• Strong understanding of motion planning, trajectory generation, and control systems.
• Experience developing algorithms for one or more robotic systems (wheeled, legged, wheeled-legged, humanoid).
• Familiarity with motion planning libraries like OMPL, MoveIt, Nav2 stack etc.
• Solid programming skills in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems.
• Familiarity with robotics middleware such as ROS/ROS 2.
• Experience with robot sensors including LiDARs, stereo/depth cameras, IMUs, GPS, wheel encoders.
• Ability to work on US government project.

The Extras That Set You Apart

• Exposure to real-world deployment of autonomous systems.
• Background in optimization, control, or numerical methods for trajectory planning.
• Familiarity with learning-based or hybrid planning approaches.
• Contributions to open-source planning or control frameworks.
• Familiarity with safety-critical autonomy and industrial robotics use cases.

This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team. This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S. Person eligibility. A U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R §120.62 includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) refugee or asylee.

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.

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.