Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

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.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Job

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 an Embedded Systems Engineer to support design, implementation, integration, and , deployment of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs

Embedded Systems Role:

As an Embedded Systems Engineer on the Federal Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our robotic platforms. Your work will span low-level firmware, Linux-based configuration, and system performance analysis across ARM and x86 SBC platforms. From firmware on microcontrollers to ROS data streams on SBCs, you'll ensure the entire compute stack is optimized, reliable, and robust under field conditions. You will collaborate closely with the sensor, electrical, and autonomy teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. Additionally, while your focus will be on computing systems you will likely contribute across all hardware domains.

What You Will Get To Do

 1. Compute System Design

• Compute Architecture: Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection.

• Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces.

• Systems Integration: Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements.

2. Compute System Implementation

• Communications: Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, IC, SPI, CAN).

• Data Pipelines: Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components.

• Systems Configuration: Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows.

• Testing: Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis.

• Documentation & Budgets: Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets.

3. Compute System Production & Servicing

• Build: Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling.

• Debug: Support root-cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues.

• Diagnostics Monitoring: Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools.  Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking.

What You Have

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers.

• Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs).

• Linux: Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools.

• Firmware: Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare-metal and RTOS environments.

• Programming: Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development.

• Communication Protocols: Experience with USB, Ethernet, IC, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces.

• ROS Ecosystem: Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing.

• Debugging: Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers).

• Systems Thinking: Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers.

What Will Set You Apart

• Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production.

• Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.

• Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.

• Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems.

• Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms.

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 Mission Viejo, 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.