Senior Robotics Field Application Engineer - Irvine, CA
- Location
- Irvine, CA
- Workplace
- On-site
- Compensation
- $80k – $120k
About this role
FieldAI’s Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California’s robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.
\nAbout the JobAs a senior member of the team, you will serve as the technical lead for customer deployments, drive successful field operations, provide expert troubleshooting, and act as a trusted advisor to both customers and internal engineering teams. Your ability to translate real-world customer needs into actionable technical feedback will directly influence product development and deployment success.
This position is based in Irvine, CA , supporting one of our strategic customer locations. The role requires up to 30% travel to customer sites across the U.S., with occasional international travel as needed. An up-to-date passport and REAL ID (or equivalent documentation) are preferred and may be required for customer site access.
- Lead end-to-end deployment, commissioning, and operational readiness of FieldAI robotic systems at customer sites.
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact during customer deployments, pilots, and production operations.
- Lead field testing, system validation, and performance evaluations to ensure reliable operation in real-world environments.
- Diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, networking, and robotic system issues while minimizing operational downtime.
- Deliver technical demonstrations, customer training sessions, and executive-level presentations that showcase FieldAI's capabilities.
- Build trusted relationships with customer engineering, operations, and leadership teams by providing technical guidance and proactive support.
- Collaborate closely with Software, Hardware, Robotics, Product, and Customer Success teams to drive product improvements based on field insights.
- Capture, prioritize, and communicate customer feedback, deployment learnings, and field data to influence product roadmap and engineering priorities.
- Develop and maintain deployment playbooks, technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and operational best practices.
- Mentor junior Field Application Engineers and provide technical leadership during deployments and customer engagements.
- Support remote monitoring and operational escalations for deployed robotic systems.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve deployment efficiency, system reliability, and customer experience.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, field engineering, solutions engineering, systems integration, or a similar customer-facing technical role.
- Proven experience leading complex technical deployments in industrial or customer-facing environments.
- Strong understanding of robotic systems, sensors, networking, Linux-based environments, and system integration.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues in the field.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage engineers, operators, project managers, and executive stakeholders.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deployments and competing priorities.
- Comfortable working independently in dynamic field environments while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Willingness to travel up to 30% to customer sites across the U.S., with occasional international travel as needed.
- Valid passport and REAL ID (or equivalent travel documentation) preferred.
- Experience deploying autonomous robots, drones, quadrupeds, humanoids, industrial automation systems, or other advanced robotic platforms.
- Strong programming or scripting experience with Python, C++, ROS/ROS2, or similar technologies.
- Experience with Linux, networking, sensors, perception systems, and robotic hardware integration.
- Experience supporting enterprise or industrial customers in manufacturing, construction, mining, energy, or other industrial environments.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues under time-sensitive conditions.
- Experience developing deployment methodologies, standard operating procedures, or technical documentation.
- Previous experience mentoring engineers or leading technical field teams.
- Familiarity with cloud-based robotics platforms, remote operations, or fleet management systems.
- Passion for deploying cutting-edge robotics that solve real-world industrial challenges.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is dependent upon experience. 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.
Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy
At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our Irvine, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
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.
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.
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
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.
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