R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

Assembly Technician Role

As an Assembly Technician for Perception & Compute Payloads, 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.

What You Will Get To Do

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.

What You Have

• 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.

What Will Set You Apart

• 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.

$30 - $55 an hour Compensation The hourly range for this role is $30.00-$55.00/hr. 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.

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 Irvine, CA office. 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 are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.