Mechanical Engineer — Irvine, CA at FieldAI

Who We Are

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, charting a new course with globally deployed solutions that deliver real-world results and rapidly improve models through field applications.

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.

Our team boasts 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.

About the Role

At Field AI, we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real-world environments where tight integration between hardware and software is critical. As a Mechanical Engineer on our Federal Team, you will contribute to the design and implementation of mechanical systems that house and support sensing and compute platforms in real-world environments.

Your work will span the full lifecycle from CAD through production to field support. You will collaborate closely with electrical, compute, and systems engineers to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. While your focus will be on mechanical systems, you will likely contribute across all hardware domains, ensuring our systems operate reliably from ruggedized enclosures to thermal management and manufacturability.

This position is for our Field AI Federal Team, which works on projects connected to the U.S. government. This role requires U.S. Person eligibility as defined by 22 C.F.R §120.62.

Why Join Field AI?

We are seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. 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 Irvine, Southern California, and have US-based and global teammates. 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.

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 Irvine, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.

Hiring Process & AI Disclosure

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Leafy Pass, Groves, Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California, 92602, United States

Irvine, California

Key Responsibilities

check_circleDesign and model mechanical structures including enclosures, compute frames, and load-bearing chassis
check_circleDesign and validate robust sensor mounts, payload attachment points, and mechanical interfaces
check_circleImplement IP-rated solutions with gaskets, seals, and coatings to meet water and dust ingress standards
check_circleIncorporate thermal mitigation strategies such as fans, heat sinks, and airflow guides
check_circleBuild detailed SolidWorks CAD assemblies and run FEA and thermal simulations
check_circleRapidly iterate on prototypes for fit checks, thermal evaluations, and integration trials
check_circleGenerate mechanical drawings, GD&T annotations, BOMs, and assembly instructions
check_circleWork with vendors to procure mechanical hardware and develop QA checks for incoming units
check_circle

Requirements

verifiedB.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
verifiedProficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms
verifiedFamiliarity with FEA and thermal modeling tools
verifiedExperience designing hardware that survives vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and environmental exposure
verifiedExperience designing for CNC, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, and assembly workflows
verifiedU.S. Person eligibility (U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee)

Nice to Have

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 mechanical, electrical, and software systems. Experience designing to meet IP ratings, MIL-STD, or equivalent ruggedness standards.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleEquity compensationcheck_circleGenerous time offcheck_circleFlexible working hours

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Solidworks, Fea, DFM, Dfa, DFS, GD&T, CNC, Sheet Metal, Additive Manufacturing, Vibration Tables.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering required.

Frequently asked questions about Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI

What does a Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI do?expand_more

A Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI is responsible for the following: Design and model mechanical structures including enclosures, compute frames, and load-bearing chassis; Design and validate robust sensor mounts, payload attachment points, and mechanical interfaces; Implement IP-rated solutions with gaskets, seals, and coatings to meet water and dust ingress standards; and Incorporate thermal mitigation strategies such as fans, heat sinks, and airflow guides.

What are the requirements for this Mechanical Engineer-Federal role?expand_more

FieldAI is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms; Familiarity with FEA and thermal modeling tools; Experience designing hardware that survives vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and environmental exposure; Experience designing for CNC, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, and assembly workflows; and U.S. Person eligibility (U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

Where is the Mechanical Engineer-Federal role at FieldAI located?expand_more

Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI is based in Leafy Pass, Groves, Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California, 92602, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Mechanical Engineer-Federal job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

FieldAI has listed this Mechanical Engineer-Federal role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Mechanical Engineer-Federal role?expand_more

Candidates for Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI should have mid level.

What skills do you need for the Mechanical Engineer-Federal role at FieldAI?expand_more

Key skills for Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI include Solidworks; Fea; DFM; Dfa; DFS; GD&T; CNC; and Sheet Metal.

What education is required for Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering required.

What category does the Mechanical Engineer-Federal role belong to?expand_more

Mechanical Engineer-Federal at FieldAI is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.

Mechanical Engineer-Federal