R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

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.

As an R&D Technician, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for assembling, integrating, and validating Field AI’s sensing and compute payloads. You will build electro-mechanical subsystems, integrate sensors and embedded compute platforms, perform harnessing and power system checks, support functional testing, and ensure every payload is field-ready and reliable. This role bridges mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and practical system-level debugging.

You will support both prototype development and production workflows while working closely with engineers to improve build processes and increase system reliability.

• Assemble perception payloads including LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS receivers, and auxiliary sensors using engineering drawings and build instructions.
• Install and integrate CPU/GPU compute modules, carrier boards, and microcontroller-based subsystems. Build and route wire harnesses for power, high-speed data, synchronization, and control.
• Install mounts, enclosures, gaskets, seals, thermal components, and structural hardware.

• Perform continuity checks, grounding/EMI checks, and power-rail validation.
• Assist in bring-up of Linux- or ROS2-based embedded compute systems.
• Validate communication links across Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other interfaces.
• Verify correct connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain-relief practices.

• Run functional tests including sensor bring-up, calibration checks, compute boot/health tests, and network verification.
• Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions with high accuracy.
• Support environmental, vibration, mechanical alignment, and thermal characterization tests led by hardware engineers.
• Conduct inspections for workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety.

• Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root-cause issues and improve build processes.
• Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and opportunities to streamline production.

• Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real-world deployment.
• Support integration and troubleshooting activities during lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations.
• Perform rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments.

• 2+ years of hands-on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related electro-mechanical assembly environments.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, and basic machine-shop tools. Ability to read and follow wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.
• Experience building wire harnesses and working with low-voltage electrical systems. Familiarity with embedded compute systems,…