Perception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

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.
Are you driven by the challenge of building next-generation AI-powered robotics? Do you thrive at the intersection of advanced autonomy, real-world deployment, and AI-native decision-making? We are seeking a Robotics AI Engineer - Field Foundation Models & Dynamics Foundation Models to push the boundaries of risk-aware, self-evolving robotic intelligence. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement cutting-edge AI-driven planning and control architectures, ensuring our robots operate seamlessly in unstructured, high-stakes environments. This is your opportunity to redefine the future of embodied AI, working alongside a world-class team that values bold innovation, hands-on execution, and AI-first engineering. If you're eager to build autonomy that adapts, learns, and makes decisions with intelligence beyond traditional models, we want to hear from you!
What You Will Get To Do

• Algorithm Development
• Design and implement next-generation AI-powered Field Foundation Models (FFMs) and Dynamics Foundation Models (DFMs). Pioneer risk-aware, uncertainty-driven decision-making architectures that enable autonomous robots to navigate unstructured, high-stakes environments.
• Reimagine planning algorithms, trajectory optimization, and task scheduling as a fusion of probabilistic reasoning, geometric intelligence, and adaptive AI, ensuring precise and reliable robot motion in dynamic environments.

• Software Integration and Testing
• Work extensively with ROS (Robot Operating System) to develop, test, and integrate next-gen autonomous intelligence modules modules.
• Design, implement, and test real-world and simulation- learning loops, where self-evolving models refine planning, control, and perception through real-world interaction. Conduct field tests to validate performance and optimize system behavior.

• Hands-On Robotics Deployment
• Collaborate with hardware teams to ensure seamless software-hardware integration.
• Travel to customer sites to deploy, calibrate, and fine-tune robotic systems in diverse and challenging real-world conditions.

• Cross-Team Collaboration
• Work closely with other engineering teams to align development efforts and achieve cohesive system performanc
• Communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders to explain robotic capabilities and project progress.

What You Have

• Strong programming skills: Proficiency in Python and C++ for algorithm development and system integration.
• Proficiency in ROS (Robot Operating System): Experience developing and integrating robotic software solutions.
• Hands-On Robotics Experience: Practical experience working with autonomous robotic systems, including testing and deployment in the field.
• Understanding of Planning and Controls: Solid knowledge of path planning, control theory, and trajectory optimization.
• Ability and availability to travel: Ability and eagerness to travel to customer sites for deployments, testing, and troubleshooting (up to 30% travel).
• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience with GPU programming (CUDA C++, PyTorch) a significant plus.
• Experience with real-time systems or robotics middleware.
• Familiarity with sensor integration and perception algorithms.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques applied to robotics.
• Exposure to industrial robotics applications in sectors like construction, mining, or manufacturing.
• Experience working in harsh or outdoor environments.
• Experience working with humanoid or legged robots.
• Advanced degree (Bachelors, Master's) in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Understanding of safety standards and compliance in robotics.

Compensation and Benefits
Our salary range is between ($70,000 - $300,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.
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 may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.