Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_onLeafy Pass, Groves, Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California, 92602, United States
About Field AI
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.
About the Hardware Team
The Hardware Team develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real-world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack, designing and integrating sensing systems, embedded compute, electrical systems, and mechanical components. We focus on core capabilities, system reliability, and scalability while building operational systems and procedures from the ground up. As a small, fast-moving team, we care deeply about improving these pillars.
The Role
As a Mechanical Engineer on the Hardware Team, you will contribute to the design and implementation of mechanical systems that house and support sensing and compute platforms in real-world environments. From ruggedized enclosures to thermal management to manufacturability, your work will be critical to ensuring our systems operate reliably in the field. Your responsibilities 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.
Why Join Us?
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.
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 Irvine, 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!
Equal Opportunity
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, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
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: Hybrid
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 ingress protection solutions using gaskets, seals, membranes, and coatings
- 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_circleSelect materials and components to meet mass, strength, thermal, and manufacturability constraints
- check_circleApply DFM, DFA, and DFS principles throughout the design lifecycle
- check_circleConduct mechanical load testing, thermal validation, ingress tests, and sensor alignment assessments
- 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
- verifiedExperience working across teams to integrate mechanical systems with compute, sensors, and power electronics
- verifiedComfort with mechanical debugging, thermal test setups, vibration tables, and ingress testing
- verifiedExperience taking systems from prototype to large scale production
- verifiedExperience developing systems for harsh field environments
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_circleHybrid or remote work options available
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Solidworks, Fea, DFM, Dfa, DFS, GD&T, CNC, Sheet Metal, Additive Manufacturing, Lidar.
Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
Frequently asked questions about Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI
What does a Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI will 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 ingress protection solutions using gaskets, seals, membranes, and coatings; and incorporate thermal mitigation strategies such as fans, heat sinks, and airflow guides.
What are the requirements for this Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware role?expand_more
To qualify for the Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI position, applicants should have: 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 Experience working across teams to integrate mechanical systems with compute, sensors, and power electronics.
Where is the Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware role at FieldAI located?expand_more
Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI is based in Leafy Pass, Groves, Orchard Hills, Irvine, Orange County, California, 92602, United States. This is a hybrid role.
Is this Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
FieldAI has listed this Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware role as hybrid.
How much experience is required for this Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware role?expand_more
Candidates for Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI should have mid level.
What skills do you need for the Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware role at FieldAI?expand_more
Key skills for Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI include Solidworks; Fea; DFM; Dfa; DFS; GD&T; CNC; and Sheet Metal.
What education is required for Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
What category does the Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware role belong to?expand_more
Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Hardware at FieldAI is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.