Senior Autonomy Engineer

About the role

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. You will own the full lifecycle of autonomous system performance in customer environments, ensuring that deployment, integration, and ongoing operations meet the highest standards of reliability and mission success. This role demands ownership of both the technical execution and the cross-functional coordination required to turn innovative autonomy into field-proven solutions. You will work directly with customers and internal experts to diagnose issues, drive rapid improvements, and ensure our systems become mission-critical from day one. If you thrive on solving hard problems with immediate real-world impact, this position places you at the center of delivering autonomy that works where it matters most.

Key facts

What you'll do

1. Lead the end-to-end field deployment of autonomous robotic systems, ensuring configurations are validated and operational under demanding real-world conditions.

2. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly across software, hardware, and network layers to maintain uptime and mission success.

3. Gather and analyze field feedback, identifying performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement in system behavior.

4. Collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to drive enhancements into the core autonomy stack based on real-world data.

5. Implement monitoring and diagnostic tools that provide continuous visibility into system health and operational status.

6. Partner with customer teams to train and support operators, guiding them toward operational readiness and confidence in using the systems.

7. Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable workflows that non-technical stakeholders can follow and execute.

8. Act as the voice of the customer within engineering and product discussions, ensuring field insights directly shape system evolution.

9. Contribute to the design and scaling of deployment practices and playbooks that standardize rollout strategies for future programs.

10. Leverage version control and issue tracking systems to maintain rigorous documentation and traceability for all field changes.

11. Support integration efforts between wheeled robotic platforms and federal and commercial program requirements.

12. Drive adoption by demonstrating tangible value and reliability, helping our systems become essential tools from initial deployment.

13. Work on-site with customers when necessary to resolve issues, validate performance, and build long-term trust.

14. Continuously refine autonomy behaviors and decision-making heuristics based on observed field performance and edge cases.

Requirements

1. Hold a PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or an MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research experience, or a BS degree in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.

2. Bring proven experience in field deployment of complex technical systems that operate in real-world, unstructured environments.

3. Demonstrate strong proficiency in Python, C++, Git, and ROS/ROS2 for developing and maintaining autonomous software stacks.

4. Show familiarity with Linux-based systems, containerization practices, and cloud infrastructure used in distributed robotic deployments.

5. Exhibit robust troubleshooting and debugging skills across software, hardware, and networking layers simultaneously.

6. Maintain a self-starter mindset with the ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced, and rapidly changing operational conditions.

7. Commit to working on-site in Irvine, California, with willingness to travel and perform on-site support with customers as needed.

8. Adhere to program schedules and delivery expectations for federal and commercial engagements, understanding the impact of timely execution.

Nice to have

1. Experience deploying, operating, or maintaining mission-critical systems in demanding real-world environments.

2. Familiarity with program management software tools such as Jira, Wrike, or Confluence for tracking progress and documentation.

3. Demonstrated ability to work directly with customers in high-stakes, fast-paced settings, translating operational needs into technical solutions.

4. Strong communication skills, with a proven capacity to explain complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Practical notes

Willingness to travel and work on-site with customers as needed.