Staff Software Engineer - Federal

Job Description

Job Description

Who are We?

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.

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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 Senior Software Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs

As a Senior Software Engineer at Field AI, 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.

• Drive strategic integration, debugging, and rapid capability development while providing essential software support

• Build robust utilities and tools to facilitate integration and automated testing for system software builds

• Provide high-level technical expertise and analytical insights to advance the development of robust software architectures

• PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research

• Proven expertise in software engineering across the full program lifecycle, with a focus on early-stage system design and development.

• Experience/Familiarity with robotics middleware such as ROS / ROS 2 or similar distributed robotics software systems

• Experience/Familiarity with distributed systems (multiple nodes, real-time comms)

• Experience/Familiarity with embedded systems (C/C++ on constrained hardware)

• Ability to work effectively across adjacent domains, including software, electronics, networking, and mechanical interfaces

• Proven track record managing complex programs with multiple dependencies in agile/hybrid frameworks

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to executives and diverse audiences

• Strong analytical capabilities, with experience in financial modeling, ROI analysis, and tracking KPIs

• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑growth startup environments; proactive, adaptable, resilient

• 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.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time off. 

Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy

At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our HQ in Irvine, CA. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.

Why Join Field AI?

We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution

To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.

We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 

Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.