2.9 Software Engineer - Mission Autonomy

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.

Field AI is seeking a rigorous and innovative Mission Autonomy Software Engineer to play a vital role in the development of highly advanced robotic and AI systems by designing and implementing intelligent decision-making frameworks. Your contribution is essential to advancing our autonomous robotic platforms and delivering cutting-edge AI-driven solutions to customers. This is a unique career opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and contribute to the success of enterprise clients in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Mission Autonomy Framework Development and Optimization
• Design and implement state machines and behavior trees to enable intelligent decision-making in complex robotic systems. Optimize mission autonomy algorithms to ensure real-time performance and robustness in diverse settings and environments.

• Mission Autonomy Framework Unit Testing
• Develop and execute unit tests for mission autonomy modules to validate correctness, reliability, and efficiency.
• Ensure rigorous software verification through automated and manual testing approaches.

• Mission Autonomy Framework Simulation Testing
• Integrate and test mission autonomy frameworks in simulation environments to validate behavior before deployment in the real world.
• Utilize simulation tools to identify potential issues and refine decision-making logic.

• Software Modularization for LLM Interface
• Develop a modular software architecture to enable LLM-based mission definition via natural language prompts.
• Ensure seamless integration between autonomy frameworks and language-based mission design interfaces.

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in Python programming, ROS, Linux, Git
• 4 years experience with mission autonomy frameworks (e.g. state machines, behavior trees)
• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with all teams 
• Strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to navigate complex software systems

• Strong work ethic, highly self-motivated, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities

• Proficiency in C programming
• Experience with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim)
• Experience with LLM-based decision-making frameworks in robotic systems

Compensation and Benefits

Our salary range is generous ($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 Mission Viejo (Irvine adjacent), 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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $70,000 - $300,000