Robotics Autonomy Engineer, Software

Field Ai; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

FieldAI in Irvine seeks a Software Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of wheeled robotic platforms across federal and commercial programs. You will work hands-on with customers and internal teams to ensure field reliability and rapid feedback integration.

As a Robotics Autonomy Engineer, Software, you’ll own deployment and ongoing performance in real-world environments, collaborating across software, hardware, networking, and mechanical interfaces to ship mission-critical

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics or MS with 2+ years in industry or applied research.
• Proven software engineering experience across full program lifecycle.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and distributed robotics software.
• Embedded C/C++ on constrained hardware.
• Able to work across software, hardware, networking and mechanics.
• Experience managing complex programs in agile/hybrid environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of presenting to executives.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic integration, debugging, and rapid capability development for field deployments.
• Build robust utilities and tools to facilitate integration and automated testing.
• Provide high-level technical expertise and insights to advance software architectures.

Skills

Robotics

Software engineering

C/C++

ROS/ROS2

Distributed systems

Systems integration

Field deployment

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Robotics

MS in related field with 2+ years experience

Tools

Jira

Wrike

Confluence

Job description

About the Job

At FieldAI, we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real‑world environments where tight integration between hardware and software is critical. We’re looking for a Software Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs

As a Robotics Autonomy Engineer, Software at FieldAI, 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

• Drive strategic integration, debugging, and rapid capability development while providing essential software support.

• Build robust utilities and tools to facilitate integration and automated testing for system software builds.

• Provide high‑level technical expertise and analytical insights to advance the development of robust software architectures.

What You Have

• PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research.

• Proven expertise in software engineering across the full program lifecycle, with a focus on early‑stage system design and development.

• Experience/Familiarity with robotics middleware such as ROS / ROS 2 or similar distributed robotics software systems.

• Experience/Familiarity with distributed systems (multiple nodes, real‑time comms).

• Experience/Familiarity with embedded systems (C/C++ on constrained hardware).

• Ability to work effectively across adjacent domains, including software, electronics, networking, and mechanical interfaces.

• Proven track record managing complex programs with multiple dependencies in agile/hybrid frameworks.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to executives and diverse audiences.

• Strong analytical capabilities, with experience in financial modeling, ROI analysis, and tracking KPIs.

• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑growth startup environments; proactive, adaptable, resilient.

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.

Our Salary

Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual’s background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market.

100000 - 200000 USD a year

Why Join FieldAI in Irvine?

In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics’ hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models™ raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real‑world use.

You will collaborate with a world‑class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments.

We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world.

Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field‑ready autonomy looks like.

We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution