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Nasa Robotics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nasa Robotics information

What is a NASA robotics engineer?

NASA robotics engineers are professionals who design, build, test, and operate robotic systems used in space exploration and related missions. These engineers work on technologies such as robotic arms for spacecraft, autonomous rovers for planetary exploration, and robotic systems for maintenance and repairs. Their work enables NASA to explore environments that are too dangerous or inaccessible for humans, like Mars or the Moon. Robotics engineers at NASA collaborate with scientists and other engineers to develop innovative solutions that advance space technology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in NASA robotics?

To thrive as a NASA Robotics Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, and programming, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with tools like MATLAB, ROS (Robot Operating System), CAD software, and familiarity with embedded systems or space-rated hardware is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set you apart when working on complex, multidisciplinary projects. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the development of reliable robotic systems that can perform critical tasks in challenging space environments.

What is the difference between Nasa Robotics vs Nasa Mechanical Engineering?

AspectNasa RoboticsNasa Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; experience with robotics systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; focus on design, analysis, and manufacturing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field testing, space mission sitesDesign offices, labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageRobotics systems for space exploration, automationMechanical systems for spacecraft, equipment, and infrastructure
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Nasa Robotics and Nasa Mechanical Engineering roles require engineering degrees, Nasa Robotics focuses on designing and developing robotic systems for space missions, whereas Nasa Mechanical Engineering emphasizes mechanical design and analysis of spacecraft components. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within NASA's projects.

What challenges do professionals in NASA robotics face, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in NASA Robotics often face challenges such as designing systems for extreme environments, ensuring reliability with limited opportunities for maintenance, and integrating multidisciplinary technologies. Teams typically address these by fostering close collaboration between mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, conducting extensive simulations and testing, and utilizing iterative prototyping. Open communication and regular cross-functional meetings are essential to quickly identify and resolve integration issues, ensuring mission success and safety.
Infographic showing various Nasa Robotics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Field Application Engineer - Temporary Part Time - Sterling, VA

FieldAI

Sterling, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Field Application Engineer
Location: Sterling, VA
About Field AI

Field AI is at the forefront of robotic embodied AI, transforming industries such as construction, security, mining, and manufacturing. Our autonomous robotic systems operate globally in complex and demanding environments, providing customers with critical operational insights and capabilities. Whether monitoring construction progress, ensuring safety compliance, or conducting predictive maintenance, Field AI is advancing technology to create meaningful real-world impact.

Our team includes experts from NASA, Google DeepMind, Boston Dynamics, Uber, Cruise, Zoox, Amazon, SpaceX, Tesla, MIT, Caltech, Berkeley, Stanford, CU, and many other world-class organizations. Together, we are united by a shared passion for redefining the future through robotics and autonomous systems.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Field Application Engineer to lead customer deployments and support the implementation of Field AI's autonomous robotic systems, including quadrupeds, rovers, and humanoid robots.

This role serves as a primary technical point of contact between customers, field operations, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate combines strong technical aptitude with project management and customer engagement skills and is comfortable operating in dynamic field environments where independent judgment, technical problem-solving, and effective communication are critical to success.

What You Will Do
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers throughout deployment, testing, and operational activities
  • Lead customer-facing engagements related to deployment planning, implementation, system performance, and ongoing support
  • Develop deployment plans, project timelines, operational procedures, and technical implementation strategies for autonomous robotic systems
  • Coordinate and drive execution across engineering, operations, and customer teams to ensure successful project outcomes
  • Deploy and supervise advanced robotic systems in customer and field environments
  • Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, autonomy, networking, and systems integration issues in live operational settings
  • Evaluate field performance data and communicate findings, risks, and recommendations to engineering and product teams
  • Manage multiple customer deployments and technical projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and timelines
  • Lead technical reviews, deployment readiness assessments, and project status discussions with internal and external stakeholders
  • Act as a trusted advisor to customers by translating complex technical concepts into actionable operational guidance
  • Document technical findings, deployment outcomes, and customer feedback to influence product development and deployment strategies
  • Identify opportunities to improve deployment processes, customer experience, operational efficiency, and product adoption
  • Support demonstrations, field testing activities, and strategic customer engagements
Technical Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues
  • Hands-on experience with robotics platforms, autonomous systems, drones, quadrupeds, humanoids, or related technologies
  • Familiarity with sensors, electronics, embedded systems, networking, and robotic subsystems
  • Programming or scripting experience using Python, C++, or similar languages
  • Ability to independently evaluate technical challenges and develop practical solutions in uncertain environments
  • Strong technical communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to interpret field data and provide actionable recommendations to engineering and product teams
Project Management & Customer Leadership
  • Experience serving as a customer-facing technical point of contact
  • Ability to independently manage deployment projects, schedules, technical deliverables, and stakeholder expectations
  • Strong project management skills, including planning, prioritization, risk assessment, issue resolution, and execution
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional teams to execute complex technical initiatives
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment when resolving technical, operational, and customer-facing challenges
  • Skilled at balancing customer requirements, technical constraints, and business objectives in dynamic environments
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer presentations, project updates, and technical documentation
Additional Qualifications
  • Comfortable with frequent travel and working on-site with customers and field teams
  • Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities, environments, and operational requirements
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
  • Self-motivated with a high degree of ownership, accountability, and initiative
  • Ability to occasionally lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required during deployments

Field AI will never ask candidates to provide personal financial or account information as part of the recruiting process.

$21 - $25 an hour
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.
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