Sr. Project Engineer - Field Application Engineering

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.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Senior Project Engineer to lead and coordinate field deployments of robotic systems from initial planning through execution, on-site support, and post-deployment follow-up.

This role is ideal for someone with strong project management and operational execution skills who is comfortable working in fast-paced, real-world field environments. The right candidate will be able to coordinate engineering, operations, logistics, and customer stakeholders while ensuring deployments are delivered on time, with high attention to detail.

Experience in robotics, hardware systems, field testing, or startup environments is highly preferred, especially for candidates who have helped deploy complex technology outside of the lab and into real-world customer sites.

We are seeking a highly organized and accountable Engineer with experience in project coordination, field operations, or technical program execution. This role is focused on driving successful deployments through strong project management, logistics coordination, and clear communication across teams.

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys owning projects end-to-end, thrives in dynamic environments, and can balance operational execution with customer interaction.

What You Will Do

• Own and manage field deployments from planning through execution and completion

• Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, and customers) to ensure smooth delivery

• Build and track project plans, timelines, and milestones

• Use Jira (or similar tools) to manage tasks, issues, and workflows

• Drive accountability across stakeholders and ensure deadlines are met

• Coordinate logistics including shipping, equipment readiness, and site setup

• Act as the primary on-site or customer-facing point of contact during deployments

• Identify risks early and proactively resolve or escalate issues

• Document deployment outcomes, issues, and lessons learned

• Continuously improve operational processes and deployment efficiency

Core Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field

• 5–7 years of experience in project management, field operations, or similar roles

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

• Experience using Jira (or similar project management tools)

• Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical teams

• High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments

• Willingness to travel frequently and work on-site as needed

Operational & Logistics Strengths

• Experience managing equipment logistics, shipping, and inventory tracking

• Ability to coordinate deployment schedules, travel, and site readiness

• Strong problem-solving skills in time-sensitive, real-world scenarios

• Comfortable adapting to changing field conditions and priorities

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to robotics, hardware systems, or field testing environments

• Basic technical understanding of sensors, systems, or data collection workflows

• Experience in customer-facing or field deployment roles

Key Traits for Success

• Accountability: Takes full ownership and follows through

• Communication: Clear, proactive, and stakeholder-focused

• Execution: Keeps projects moving forward and removes blockers

• Adaptability: Handles changing environments and priorities effectively

• Attention to Detail: Ensures high-quality execution across all phases

Compensation

The salary range for this role is dependent upon experience. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time.

Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy

At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our Mission Viejo, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

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.