Mechanical Engineer – Robotics Hardware

Position Overview

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world by building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems to tackle robotics challenges. On the Hardware Team, our focus is on designing and integrating end-to-end sensing and compute systems for autonomous robotics. As a Mechanical Engineer working on Mechanical Systems for Field AI, you will design and implement ruggedized mechanical systems—from CAD design and simulation to production and field support—to ensure our sensing and compute platforms operate reliably in challenging environments.

You will work closely with electrical, compute, and systems engineers to build tightly integrated solutions. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, iterating rapidly from prototypes to production systems, and contributing across all hardware domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsibilities: Mechanical System Design – Design and model mechanical structures including rugged enclosures, sensor mounts, and interfaces while ensuring ingress protection and thermal management.
• Responsibilities: Mechanical System Implementation – Develop detailed CAD assemblies (e.g., using SolidWorks), perform FEA and thermal simulations, select materials/components, and apply design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Responsibilities: Mechanical System Production & Servicing – Collaborate with vendors for hardware production, perform mechanical load and environmental testing, troubleshoot failures, and monitor ongoing system performance.

Required Qualifications

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience Required: Open to a wide range from entry level to senior and staff engineers.
• Qualifications: Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD platforms) with experience in FEA and thermal modeling.
• Qualifications: Proven background in designing hardware for real-world conditions, including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and environmental exposure.
• Qualifications: Knowledge of manufacturing processes (CNC, sheet metal, additive manufacturing) and experience in cross-disciplinary mechanical systems integration.
• Qualifications: Hands-on lab skills with mechanical debugging, thermal testing, and ingress evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling systems from prototype to large-scale production.
• Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.
• Hands-on experience with deployed robotics such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.
• Fluency across mechanical, electrical, and software systems in a robotics context.
• Experience with reliability engineering, including designs meeting IP ratings or MIL-STD standards.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Salary range is between $70,000 - $300,000 annual, with final offers based on background, experience, and geographic location.
• Benefits: Options for hybrid or remote work, competitive rewards, and the chance to work with a world-class, diverse team.
• Location: Headquartered in Irvine, Southern California, with US-based and global teammates supporting a dynamic work environment.