Robotics Lab Manager Jobs in California (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.
What You'll Do
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.
We're looking for a Robotics Software Engineer, SLAM & 3D Mapping to design and deploy advanced robot perception and 3D mapping systems at FieldAI. Based in our Irvine office, this is a true robot-in-the-loop role where you will work hands-on with physical robots, real sensors, and real field environments.
FieldAI's Irvine team sits at the center of Southern California's robotics ecosystem, building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that operate outside the lab. In this role, you will develop scalable, production-grade point cloud and mapping pipelines that power customer deliverables and globally deployed robotic systems.
You will own workflows spanning data capture through documentation, integrating laser scanners, validating mapping performance in realistic environments, and continuously improving reliability through rigorous engineering.
What You Get To Do:

• Design and develop scalable LiDAR mapping algorithms to support autonomous robot operations.
• Improve the accuracy, robustness, and scalability of point cloud processing pipelines used in online and offline mapping systems.
• Deploy large-scale mapping systems and data processing pipelines in production and ensure efficient and quality customer deliverables.
• Validate mapping systems and algorithms through testing on real robots and in large-scale unstructured environments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to meet project-specific documentation requirements and customer expectations.

What You Have:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with expertise in robotics and 3D computer vision.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with a proven ability to write maintainable and efficient code in production.
• Solid theoretical knowledge of 3D geometry, computer vision and robot kinematics.
• Solid understanding of point cloud data structure and related algorithms (e.g., ICP, NDT).
• Experience with LiDAR SLAM algorithms and optimization tools such as Ceres, GTSAM, or g2o.
• Hands-on experience with tools and libraries such as PCL, Open3D, Autoware.
• Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS) and software development practices in Ubuntu.
• Familiarity with LiDAR systems and 3D data formats (e.g., PCD, PLY, E57, LAS).
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong work ethic, highly self-motivated, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Extras That Set You Apart:

• Research experience with publications in top-tier robotics, computer vision, or machine vision venues
• Familiarity with tools such as CloudCompare, Leica Cyclone, Faro Scene, or Trimble RealWorks
• Familiarity with geospatial data, georeferencing, and coordinate systems
• Experience with survey control, calibration workflows, or on-site measurement tools (e.g., total stations)

$140,000 - $180,000 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.