Production Engineer – Robotics Perception Systems - Irvine, CA

About Us · 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-dri ...

Job description

About Us 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.
Hardware Team: The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera, TOF, IMU, GPS), embedded compute (CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, ROS, sensor drivers), electrical systems (power distribution, communication), and mechanical components (structures, thermal regulation, ingress protection). The team focuses on both development (research, design, prototyping, testing) and operations (production, testing, QA, debugging). We're a small, fast-moving team, and we care deeply about improving: 1) core capabilities, 2) system reliability, 3) system scalability. As a growing team we are also building operational systems and procedures from the ground up. 
Production Engineer Role: As a Production Engineer, you will own the end-to-end processes required to build Field AI's perception and compute payloads at increasing scale. You will define, optimize, and mature production workflows; collaborate with contract manufacturers; implement quality and certification processes; and support the hiring and development of a growing technician organization. This role sits at the intersection of manufacturing engineering, systems integration, supply chain, cost analysis, and operational strategy. You will ensure Field AI can reliably and economically scale production while maintaining world-class hardware quality.

What You Will Get To Do

• 1. Production Process Development & Optimization
• Develop, document, and maintain build processes for perception and compute payload integration.
• Implement best practices in DFM/DFA/DFS to ensure engineered designs are buildable at scale.
• Define build standards: fasteners, torque specs, cable routing, sealing, thermal interfaces, and mechanical alignment.
• Create and own assembly documentation, work instructions, test procedures, and technician training materials.

2. Contract Manufacturer (CM) Engagement & Scaling
• Evaluate, onboard, and manage contract manufacturers to support mechanical, electrical, and system-level builds.
• Define CM deliverables, acceptance criteria, test requirements, and launch readiness.
• Implement scalable quality processes—first article inspection, build audits, structured feedback cycles.
• Support transfer-of-technology (ToT) efforts, from prototype builds to volume production.
• Travel as needed to support CM bring-up, troubleshooting, and factory process validation.

3. Technician Team Development & Leadership
• Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring production technicians as the hardware organization scales.
• Establish workmanship standards, skill certification paths, and operator qualification programs.
• Create clear interfaces between engineering, technicians, and production operations.
• Drive a culture of quality, documentation rigor, and continuous improvement.

4. Supply Chain & Cost Management
• Partner with the supply chain team to evaluate suppliers, manage procurement risk, and ensure material readiness.
• Analyze cost drivers across mechanical, electrical, compute, and assembly workflows.
• Perform cost trade studies (make vs. buy, CM vs. in-house, component alternatives).Implement BOM cost tracking, value engineering opportunities, and cost-reduction roadmaps.

5. Testing, Validation & Certification Readiness
• Develop and maintain test procedures for electrical, mechanical, and system-level verification.
• Implement in-line and end-of-line test architectures, including pass/fail thresholds and data logging.
• Support compliance with certification standards such as FCC/EMI, IP ratings, vibration/shock profiles, thermal requirements, and ISO-related processes.
• Coordinate test campaigns with engineering teams—including environmental, mechanical, and reliability testing.

6. Scaling Strategy & Roadmaps
• Define production scaling plans for new product introductions and engineering revisions.
• Create forecast-driven staffing, tooling, and equipment plans.
• Map out multi-stage production maturity phases (prototype → pilot → low-rate production → scaled production).Identify and mitigate scaling bottlenecks across equipment, supply chain, process control, and workforce.

7. Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Lead cross-functional investigations into failures across mechanical, electrical, thermal, or system interfaces.
• Build data-driven processes to identify systemic issues, track yield, and improve first-pass success rates.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and ensure learnings flow into engineering design updates.
• Champion continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, 5S, SPC, or similar.

What You Have

• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience in production engineering, manufacturing engineering, or hardware operations for electromechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical integration, system bring-up, and production test workflows.
• Demonstrated experience creating work instructions, test procedures, and assembly documentation.
• Familiarity with contract manufacturer engagement, supplier evaluation, and production transfer processes.
• Experience with root cause analysis, quality engineering, and structured problem-solving.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, technicians, and operations teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; able to convey complex concepts clearly.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience building ruggedized or robotics hardware with requirements around vibration, ingress protection, thermal management, or mechanical durability.
• Experience with compliance testing such as FCC/EMI, CE, UL, IP ingress testing, or ISO frameworks.
• Direct experience supporting or standing up production at a contract manufacturer.
• Experience hiring, training, and developing technician teams.
• Experience with cost engineering, supplier negotiations, or BOM optimization.
• Familiarity with Linux/ROS, embedded compute bring-up, or sensor system integration.
• CAD experience (SolidWorks, Fusion, etc.) for designing fixtures, jigs, or production tooling.
• Experience implementing MES systems, test automation, or traceability infrastructure.
• Strong cost-analysis and value-engineering skills across mechanical, electrical, and compute components.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience taking hardware from prototype to scaled production, including standing up processes, tooling, and quality controls.
• Direct ownership of contract manufacturer engagement such as ramping builds, resolving issues, and improving yield.
• Data-driven approach to quality, test development, and continuous improvement.

$70,000 - $300,000 a year 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.