Forward Deployed Engineer-Federal

About the role

You will own the complete lifecycle of autonomous robotic systems deployed within federal customer environments, ensuring that each system is mission-ready from initial setup through sustained operations. You will act as the critical bridge between cutting-edge software, hardware, and AI research teams and the real-world constraints faced by operators in the field. This role demands a hands-on problem solver who thrives on turning ambiguous, high-stakes requirements into reliable, field-tested solutions. You will rapidly iterate based on direct customer feedback, ensuring that our systems not only meet but exceed expectations for reliability and performance. Your work will directly influence how these technologies are adopted and trusted as mission-critical tools. You will document deployments, processes, and insights to build reusable knowledge that scales across programs. Ultimately, you will ensure that Field AI's technology becomes the foundation upon which federal customers build their most important operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

1. Lead the end-to-end deployment of autonomous robotic systems within federal customer environments, ensuring strict adherence to program timelines and operational requirements.

2. Configure, test, and validate robotic platforms under realistic field conditions to confirm that all hardware, software, and AI components function reliably together.

3. Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in real time, maintaining system uptime and supporting mission success during critical operations.

4. Gather, analyze, and synthesize field feedback from operators and stakeholders to identify root causes of performance gaps and opportunities for improvement.

5. Drive enhancements into the core system by collaborating closely with software, hardware, and AI research teams to translate field observations into robust solutions.

6. Implement and maintain monitoring and diagnostic tools that provide continuous visibility into system health, performance metrics, and anomalies.

7. Partner with customer teams to provide hands-on training and operational support, ensuring personnel are prepared to use the systems safely and effectively.

8. Translate intricate technical concepts into clear, actionable workflows and procedures that non-technical stakeholders can follow with confidence.

9. Act as the trusted advisor to customers, guiding them through deployment, adoption, and optimization to accelerate realization of value.

10. Represent the voice of the customer within Field AI, ensuring that field insights directly inform product roadmaps and engineering priorities.

11. Collaborate across software, hardware, and AI research groups to deliver integrated solutions that meet the demanding needs of federal programs.

12. Contribute to the design and refinement of scalable deployment practices and playbooks that standardize and accelerate future rollouts.

13. Utilize program management tools such as Jira, Wrike, or Confluence to track progress, document decisions, and maintain transparency across teams.

14. Support on-site travel and direct engagement as required to maintain strong working relationships with federal customers and ensure continuity of operations.

15. Demonstrate ownership of system reliability and performance metrics, driving continuous improvement across the full deployment lifecycle.

Requirements

You must hold a Master's degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field, or possess equivalent practical experience that demonstrates the same level of expertise. You must have between 2 and 3 years of professional experience in software engineering or systems integration within the field robotics industry, with a proven track record of delivering complex systems. You must have direct experience in the field deployment of complex technical systems, including setup, validation, and ongoing support in live environments. You must be proficient in Python, C++, Git, and ROS, with the ability to write, review, and debug code in these languages and frameworks. You must have hands-on familiarity with Linux-based systems, containerization practices, and cloud infrastructure commonly used in robotics applications. You must possess strong troubleshooting and debugging skills that span software, hardware, and networking layers, enabling you to isolate and resolve issues efficiently. You must be a self-starter who can thrive in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments while maintaining focus on delivery and reliability. You must be eligible for U.S. government work, meeting the definition of a U.S. Person as specified under 22 C.F.R §120.62, including U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugee, or asylee. You must be willing to travel and work on-site with customers as needed to ensure successful deployment and support.

Nice to have

You bring prior experience deploying, operating, or maintaining mission-critical systems in real-world environments where uptime and reliability are essential. You have experience using Jira, Wrike, Confluence, or similar program management software tools to track progress and coordinate across teams. You have a proven ability to work directly with customers in high-stakes, fast-paced settings, translating their needs into technical solutions without compromising clarity or professionalism. You communicate exceptionally well, with the skill to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical users and build trust across diverse audiences. You are willing to travel and perform on-site work with customers as required by the demands of federal programs.

Practical notes

This is a fully onsite role based in Irvine, California. Candidates must be able to work from the Mission Viejo, CA office. Travel may be required for customer on-site support. This position is designated for FieldAI Federal Team members and requires U.S. Person eligibility.