R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

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

As an R&D Technician, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for assembling, integrating, and validating Field AI’s sensing and compute payloads. You will build electro-mechanical subsystems, integrate sensors and embedded compute platforms, perform harnessing and power system checks, support functional testing, and ensure every payload is field-ready and reliable. This role bridges mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and practical system-level debugging. You will support both prototype development and production workflows while working closely with engineers to improve build processes and increase system reliability.

1. Payload Assembly & Integration

• Assemble perception payloads including LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS receivers, and auxiliary sensors using engineering drawings and build instructions.

• Install and integrate CPU/GPU compute modules, carrier boards, and microcontroller-based subsystems.
  Build and route wire harnesses for power, high-speed data, synchronization, and control.

• Install mounts, enclosures, gaskets, seals, thermal components, and structural hardware.
  

2. Electrical, Power, and Communication Bring-Up

• Perform continuity checks, grounding/EMI checks, and power-rail validation.

• Assist in bring-up of Linux- or ROS2-based embedded compute systems.

• Validate communication links across Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other interfaces.

• Verify correct connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain-relief practices.
  

3. System Testing & Quality Assurance

• Run functional tests including sensor bring-up, calibration checks, compute boot/health tests, and network verification.

• Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions with high accuracy.

• Support environmental, vibration, mechanical alignment, and thermal characterization tests led by hardware engineers.

• Conduct inspections for workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety.
  

4. Debugging & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures.

• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root-cause issues and improve build processes.

• Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and opportunities to streamline production.
  

5. Field & Operations Support

• Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real-world deployment.

• Support integration and troubleshooting activities during lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations.

• Perform rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments.

• 2+ years of hands-on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related electro-mechanical assembly environments.

• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, and basic machine-shop tools.
  Ability to read and follow wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.

• Experience building wire harnesses and working with low-voltage electrical systems.
  Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware.

• Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to deliver reliable assemblies.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in workshop, lab, or field environments.
  
  

• Experience working with perception systems such as LiDAR, cameras, radar, or IMUs.

• Familiarity with Linux, ROS2, or embedded system bring-up workflows.

• Soldering, crimping, or IPC-certified workmanship skills.

• Understanding of thermal management, weather sealing, EMI/EMC basics, and ruggedized mechanical design.

• Experience supporting prototype builds, rapid iteration cycles, or field test deployments.

• Ability to design or suggest simple fixtures or jigs to improve assembly and repeatability.

• Experience assembling complex electro-mechanical systems, especially robotics, drones, or ruggedized field hardware.
  

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.

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.

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.