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FieldAI · 1 day ago

UGV Systems Engineer – Robotics Hardware

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$70K/yr - $300K/yr

5+ years exp

FieldAI is transforming how robots interact with the real world by building risk-aware AI systems. The UGV Systems Engineer will focus on integrating full stack autonomy hardware with wheeled Unmanned Ground Vehicles, coordinating a team of engineers and collaborating with autonomy teams.

Enterprise SoftwareRobotic Process Automation (RPA)Robotics

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Collaboratively direct the architecture and implementation of the UGV sensing and computing hardware to enable autonomy

Direct sensor and compute payload integration: LiDAR, depth/stereo cameras, IMU/GNSS, embedded compute platforms (NVIDIA/Intel), time synchronization, ROS/ROS2 middleware

Direct electrical design and platform integration: vehicle power distribution, onboard DC/AC systems, CAN/Ethernet networks, wiring harnesses, E-stop/fault handling, diagnostics

Direct mechanical integration activities: platform mounting on a wheeled UGV, ruggedization including vibration/thermal/ingress protection, ingress/egress for maintainability

Define and execute field-test readiness: develop test plans (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC, power, latency/data integrity), lead debugging workflows and field root-cause analysis

Collaborate with autonomy software: drive hardware/sensor requirements aligned with autonomy algorithms, lead trade-offs across compute, power, sensing and mechanical constraints

Manage vendors and procurement: select sensors, compute modules, harnesses, mechanical components; establish QA checks; drive production readiness and scaling

Mentor 2-3 engineers, run design reviews, manage project timeline, ensure hardware documentation (I/O maps, sensor maps, launch files, configuration management)

Work within a security-conscious environment; U.S. citizenship and experience with cleared programs preferred

Qualification

Embedded compute experienceSensor integrationElectrical systemsMechanical/packagingField deployment experienceSystems-level design thinkingCross-discipline collaborationCommunication skills

Required

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering or related field

Several years of experience (5+ years) working with field robotics platforms (UGVs, wheeled/off-road vehicles, quadrupeds, etc.). Ideally with experience across sensors, compute, mechanical and electrical systems

Proven experience leading hardware programs and engineers through to field deployment

Embedded compute experience: NVIDIA Jetson, Intel NUC/ARM SBCs, Linux, ROS/ROS2, sensor driver integration, coding (C++, python)

Sensor integration: LiDAR, depth/stereo cameras, IMU/GNSS, supporting buses (USB, Ethernet, CAN, GMSL, SPI/I²C)

Sensor synchronization: Strong familiarity with multi-sensor time synchronization (PTP/NTP/PPS), spatial calibration (TF trees, URDF), and autonomy impact

Electrical systems: power architecture, onboard vehicle power, harness design, safety interlocks, fault diagnostics, CAN/Ethernet

Mechanical/packaging: mounting sensors/compute on mobile platforms, vibration/thermal/ingress isolation, ruggedization for outdoor/field use, CAD design, thermal / structural analysis

Systems-level design thinking: ability to trade between compute/thermal/power/sensor/performance constraints

Field deployment experience: real-world testing in harsh environments (vibration, dust, extreme temperatures, EMI), root-cause analysis, QA and production readiness

Strong cross-discipline collaboration and communication skills. Ability to work with teams across autonomy software, hardware, and field operations

U.S. citizenship strongly preferred. Experience with or eligibility for security clearance (Secret, TS/SCI) highly desirable

Preferred

Experience taking a robotic/mobile platform from prototype to field deployment

Previous work on UGVs (e.g., Warthog, Husky, Jackal) or heavy-duty wheeled/off-road robotics

Active or past government/defense security clearance

Experience in start-up robotics environments: ownership, hands-on, field test mindset

Benefits

Hybrid or remote option

Company

FieldAI

FieldAI is pioneering the development of a field-proven, hardware agnostic brain technology that enables many different types of robots to operate autonomously in hazardous, offroad, and potentially harsh industrial settings – all without GPS, maps, or any pre-programmed routes.

Founded in 2023

Mission Viejo, California, USA

11-50 employees