Thinking Machines Lab 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.
What You Get to Do:

• Execute manual and structured testing of robotic systems in lab and controlled environments
• Monitor robot behavior during operation to ensure safe and expected performance
• Identify, document, and reproduce bugs, anomalies, and edge cases
• Capture detailed test logs including failures, inconsistencies, and performance issues
• Partner with engineering teams to clearly communicate issues and drive resolution
• Validate fixes and perform regression testing on new builds and updates
• Improve QA processes, test procedures, and operational checklists
• Support ongoing system validation and provide real-time feedback on performance

What You Bring:

• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or other relevant field
• 2+ years of experience in QA, robotics testing, or hands-on technical roles
  (open to strong entry-level candidates with relevant experience or projects)
• Comfort working with physical systems (robots, vehicles, or machinery)
• Strong attention to detail and observational skills
• Ability to clearly document issues and communicate findings
• Basic troubleshooting skills with the ability to isolate and describe issues
• Willingness to be hands-on and physically engaged during testing
• Reliable, methodical, and safety-conscious

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, or electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with logging tools or bug tracking systems (e.g., Jira)
• Basic scripting (Python, Bash) for test support or data collection
• Understanding of sensor systems (cameras, LiDAR, GPS, etc.)
• Experience with structured test plans, QA processes, or validation workflows

$30 - $45 an hour
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 statu
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.