UGV Systems 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 that go beyond typical data-driven approaches. Our Hardware Team develops cutting-edge perception and compute payloads for autonomous robotics systems. In the UGV Systems Engineer role, you will integrate full stack autonomy hardware—including sensors, computers, and electromechanical systems—on wheeled Unmanned Ground Vehicles. You will coordinate teams across electrical, mechanical, and computing disciplines while collaborating closely with autonomy groups to drive design, prototyping, testing, and field deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaboratively direct the architecture and implementation of the UGV sensing and computing hardware to enable autonomy.
• Direct sensor and compute payload integration including LiDAR, depth/stereo cameras, IMU/GNSS, embedded compute platforms (e.g., NVIDIA/Intel), time synchronization, and ROS/ROS2 middleware.
• Oversee electrical design and platform integration such as vehicle power distribution, onboard DC/AC systems, CAN/Ethernet networks, wiring harnesses, E-stop/fault handling, and diagnostics.
• Lead mechanical integration activities including platform mounting on a wheeled UGV, ruggedization (vibration, thermal, ingress protection), and maintainability considerations.
• Define and execute field-test readiness by developing test plans (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC, power, latency/data integrity) and leading debugging and root-cause analysis efforts.
• Collaborate with autonomy software teams to align hardware/sensor requirements with algorithm needs and drive trade-offs across compute, power, sensing, and mechanical constraints.
• Manage vendors and procurement by selecting sensors, compute modules, harnesses, and mechanical components, establishing QA checks, and driving production readiness and scaling.
• Mentor a small team of engineers, conduct design reviews, manage project timelines, and ensure comprehensive hardware documentation (e.g., I/O maps, sensor maps, launch files, configuration management).
• Operate within a security-conscious environment; U.S. citizenship and experience with cleared programs are preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience Required: 5+ years of experience working with field robotics platforms (UGVs, wheeled/off-road vehicles, quadrupeds, etc.) with exposure to sensors, compute, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Proven experience leading hardware programs and engineering teams through successful field deployments.
• Embedded compute expertise (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, Intel NUC/ARM SBCs, Linux, ROS/ROS2, sensor driver integration, C++/Python coding).
• In-depth knowledge of sensor integration (LiDAR, depth/stereo cameras, IMU/GNSS) including supporting buses (USB, Ethernet, CAN, GMSL, SPI/I²C) and multi-sensor time synchronization techniques.
• Familiarity with electrical systems design such as power architecture, harness design, safety interlocks, fault diagnostics, and CAN/Ethernet communication.
• Experience in mechanical packaging, including mounting sensors and compute hardware on mobile platforms and addressing vibration, thermal, and ingress challenges.
• Strong systems-level design thinking to balance compute, thermal, power, sensor, and performance constraints.
• Proven field deployment experience in harsh environments with robust QA and root-cause analysis skills.
• Excellent cross-discipline collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience taking a robotic or 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 startup robotics environments with an ownership mentality and a hands-on field test mindset.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: $70,000 - $300,000 per year, with final salary determined by experience, skills, and geographic location.
• Location: Headquartered in sunny Irvine, Southern California, with flexibility for hybrid or remote work options.
• Benefits: Inclusive culture, competitive benefits, and a collaborative, innovative work environment.