Forward Deployed Engineer (Federal)

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. 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 Forward Deployed Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs As a Forward Deployed Engineer 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

1. Field Deployment & Operations

• Lead the end-to-end deployment of autonomous systems in customer environments.

• Ensure systems are configured, tested, and operational under real-world conditions.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly to maintain uptime and mission success.
  
  

2. System Reliability & Performance


• Gather and analyze field feedback to identify areas for improvement.

• Work closely with product and engineering teams to drive enhancements into the core system.

• Implement monitoring and diagnostic tools to ensure sustained reliability.
  
  

3. Customer Enablement & Adoption


• Partner with customer teams to train and support operators in achieving operational readiness.

• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable workflows.

• Act as a trusted advisor to accelerate adoption and long-term value realization.
  
  

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration


• Serve as the voice of the customer, bringing field insights back to engineering and product teams.

• Collaborate across software, hardware, and AI research groups to deliver integrated solutions.

• Contribute to building scalable deployment practices and playbooks for future rollouts.
  

What You Have

• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).

• 2-3 years of experience in software engineering, systems integration in Field Robotics industry.

• Experience in field deployment of complex technical systems.

• Proficiency in Python, C++, Git, ROS.

• Familiarity with Linux-based systems, containerization, and cloud infrastructure.

• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across software, hardware, and networking layers.

• Self-starter mindset with the ability to thrive in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
  

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.
  

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.   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.