Embedded Systems Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI in Irvine, CA

Summary: FieldAI is transforming how robots interact with the real world by building advanced AI systems for robotics. The Embedded Systems Engineer will work on the architecture, configuration, and validation of compute systems for robotic platforms, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in challenging environments. Responsibilities: - Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection - Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces - Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements - Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, I²C, SPI, CAN) - Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components - Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows - Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis - Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets - Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling - Support root-cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues - Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools. Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking Required Qualifications: - B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field - Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs) - Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools - Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare-metal and RTOS environments - Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development - Experience with USB, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces - Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing - Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers) - Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers Preferred Qualifications: - Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production - Experience developing systems for harsh field environments - Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots - Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems - Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms Required Skills: Embedded Systems, Linux System Configuration, Firmware Development, C++ Programming, Python Programming, Communication Protocols, ROS Ecosystem, Hardware/Software Debugging, Compute Architecture, Thermal, Power Analysis, System Performance Monitoring, Systems Thinking