Robotics Test & Data Engineer, Mapping at Field AI in Irvine, CA

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.

FieldAI is building robotic systems that operate in the real world — not the lab. Our Irvine team works directly with robots, sensors, and large-scale field data to ensure our systems perform reliably in production environments.

We’re looking for a Robotics Test & Data Engineer (Mapping) to own quality across our mapping systems — from robot validation to point cloud QA/QC to final data delivery. This is a hands-on, robot-in-the-loop role where you will test real systems, analyze real data, and ensure our outputs meet strict, real-world standards.

You will act as the final quality gate for mapping deliverables, ensuring that both the robots and the data they produce are reliable, accurate, and ready for customer use.

Test and validate robotic mapping systems (hardware + software) in real-world environments

Own QA/QC of large-scale 3D point cloud datasets prior to customer delivery

Inspect, clean, align, and verify mapping outputs using professional 3D processing tools

Identify and triage issues across sensors, mapping pipelines, and robot behavior

Reproduce failures and work with engineering teams to debug and resolve root causes

Develop lightweight scripts or tools to improve testing, QA workflows, and data handling

Enforce high standards for data quality and system reliability across all deliverables

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Geomatics, or related field

Hands-on experience working with 3D point cloud data (inspection, alignment, filtering, validation)

Experience testing or troubleshooting hardware-software systems (robotics, sensors, or similar)

Strong attention to detail and high standards for data quality and correctness

Ability to debug issues across software, data, and physical systems

Strong ownership mindset and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment

Clear communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Experience in construction tech, surveying, civil engineering, or industrial mapping

Familiarity with tools such as CloudCompare, Leica Cyclone, Faro Scene, or Trimble RealWorks

Experience working with LiDAR systems, laser scanners, and 3D data formats (PCD, PLY, E57, LAS)

Basic scripting (Python, Bash) to automate testing or data workflows

Experience working with robotic systems or field deployments

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.

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.

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