Senior Robot Perception Engineer

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

Job summary

FieldAI is seeking a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer in Irvine, California, to advance perception capabilities for autonomy in challenging environments. The role involves designing systems for robots, integrating sensors like LiDAR and RADAR, and ensures reliable operation. Candidates should have a strong robotics background with a focus on perception, localization, and programming in C++ and Python.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $300,000, based on experience and qualifications, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or MS with 2+ years experience, or BS with 4+ years experience.
• Strong background in robot perception, localization, and mapping (SLAM).
• Hands-on experience developing perception software in field robotics.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain perception systems for autonomous robots.
• Develop robust localization and mapping capabilities.
• Debug and resolve issues during on-robot testing.

Skills

Robot perception

Localization and mapping

C++

Python

Hands-on experience in robotics

Education

PhD or MS/BS in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

LiDAR

RADAR

Job description

Who are We?

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.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Job

At FieldAI, we’re building autonomy for robots that operate in the real world, in harsh environments, and under challenging conditions where traditional sensing breaks down. We’re looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack for robots operating in unstructured terrains, taking responsibility for performance, robustness, and deployment on new platforms and sensor configurations. You’ll work hands‑on across software and hardware for integrating LiDAR, RADAR, multispectral, and other sensing into production autonomy systems and delivering capabilities that directly support customers.

What You Will Do

1. Build and Maintain Perception Systems

• Design, implement, and maintain perception systems for autonomous robots operating in real-world environments.
• Develop robust localization and mapping capabilities that perform reliably in unstructured, off-road, and field conditions.
• Continuously evaluate and improve perception performance through testing, iteration, and field validation.

2. Develop and Integrate Sensor-Based Perception

• Implement perception algorithms that fuse data from multiple sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, RADAR, and inertial sensors.
• Support the integration of new sensing modalities and sensor configurations as robotic platforms evolve.
• Ensure perception software operates reliably across simulation and real-world deployments.

3. Deploy Perception Software on Real Robots

• Bring perception algorithms from development to deployment on physical robotic systems.
• Debug and resolve issues discovered during on-robot testing and field operations.
• Collaborate with autonomy, controls, and platform teams to ensure perception systems integrate cleanly into the full autonomy stack.

4. Improve System Robustness and Scalability

• Contribute to code quality, testing, and long-term maintainability of perception systems.
• Develop tools, metrics, and tests to monitor performance and catch regressions over time.
• Help scale perception solutions across multiple robots, environments, and missions.

5. Collaborate Across Teams

• Work closely with engineers, researchers, and operators to define perception requirements and deliver reliable solutions.
• Communicate technical designs, tradeoffs, and results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Support field operations and customer demonstrations by ensuring perception systems are production-ready.

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 experience, or BS degree in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in robot perception, localization, and mapping (SLAM) for real-world robotic systems.
• Hands‑on experience developing and deploying perception software in field robotics environments (not just simulation).
• Proficiency in modern robotics software development (C++, Python) and ROS/ROS2 based systems.
• Experience working with robot perception and state estimation (VIO, LIO, mapping, sensor fusion, etc).
• Ability to take ownership of complex subsystems, from design through field deployment and long-term maintenance.
• Comfort working close to hardware, including debugging sensor data, calibration, and real-world failures.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to operate independently in fast-moving, small teams.

The Extras That Set You Apart

• Experience with thermal, LWIR, or multispectral passive sensing for robotic perception.
• Experience integrating and calibrating custom sensor rigs (e.g., stereo, thermal, or multi‑LiDAR setups).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, performance regression testing, and benchmarking for perception systems.
• Experience aligning or unifying perception stacks across multiple platforms or product lines.
• Demonstrated leadership in research, field operations, or mentoring junior engineers and researchers.
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices.

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.

$70,000 - $300,000 a year

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time.

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.