Project Manager Startup Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

FieldAI's Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California's robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.
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
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Federal Project Manager to lead and coordinate complex technology projects from conception through completion. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background combined with excellent project management skills to ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions that meet business objectives.
What You'll Get To Do

• Drive strategic execution across multi-project portfolios defining milestones, manage budgets, oversee resourcing across engineering, field ops, product, and business teams.
• Align stakeholders and cross-functional teams to ensure clarity of scope, dependencies, risks, and timelines for successful robot deployment programs aligned with company goals.
• Coordinate go-to-market readiness to work with product, operations, and customer success teams to ensure deployment programs meet performance, safety, and scalability requirements.
• Track program performance metrics to monitor statuses, escalate risks proactively, and report on progress, financials, and ROI to leadership and investors.
• Prepare strategic communications to lead the creation of executive updates, board materials, and investor presentations.
• Identify and unblock risks for surface technical, operational, or commercial issues early and drive resolution to keep programs on target.

What You Have

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related technical field.
• Two or more years of experience in project coordination, program support, or operations within a technical organization.
• Demonstrated ability to translate high-level requirements into structured task breakdowns and timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience coordinating across engineering teams.
• Proficiency with project tracking tools (for example, Jira, Asana, Monday, or equivalent).
• Ability to obtain and maintain any security clearance or export control authorization required for defense-related programs.

The Extras That Set You Apart

• Experience supporting robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or defense engineering programs.
• Familiarity with government contracting structures, including SBIR, SOWs, or deliverable-based contracts.
• Experience working directly with technical leads to define acceptance criteria and milestone definitions.
• Prior experience in a fast-growing startup environment.
• Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR compliance considerations in a program support context.
• MS technical degree
• PMP certification
• Experience interacting and leading projects with various DoD stakeholders, not limited to the US Army, USSOCOM, DARPA
• Experience managing projects related to rugged ground autonomy

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 $130,000-$200,000. 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.
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 headquarters in Irvine, CA. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
$130,000 - $200,000 a year
Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual's background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market.
Why Join FieldAI in Irvine?
In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics' hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models™ raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real-world use.
You will collaborate with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments.
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world.
Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field-ready autonomy looks like.
We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, 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 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.