1.79 Robotics Controls Engineer

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, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

About the Job

We’re building robots that move with agility, balance, and grace in the real world—and we need a controls engineer to make that happen. You’ll own the control stack from modeling and simulation through embedded implementation on hardware. You’ll design and deploy control and estimation algorithms that power legs, arms, and whole-body behaviors for next-gen robots and humanoids. If you love turning beautiful math into real-time code that makes 100+ kg machines dance, this is your role.

• Control algorithms & real-time implementation
• Design, tune, and validate controllers (classical, modern/state-space, whole-body QP, MPC) for balance, locomotion, and manipulation.
• Implement high-rate control loops (≈100–1,000 Hz+) on embedded targets (MCUs and embedded Linux) with RTOS constraints, fixed-/floating-point trade-offs, and tight timing budgets.
• Estimation & system identification
• Build and deploy filters (EKF/UKF/ESKF) for IMU/encoder/vision fusion, contact estimation, and state reconstruction.
• Perform offline/online system identification of actuators and structures; parameterize friction/backlash/COM/inertia; maintain plant models that match reality.
• Simulation, tooling, and testing
• Create fast simulations (Python/NumPy; Drake/MuJoCo/Isaac Sim as appropriate) for controller bring-up and regression testing.
• Stand up HIL rigs, logging/telemetry, and automated CI to catch issues before they hit hardware.
• Hardware integration, safety, and collaboration
• Work shoulder-to-shoulder with mech/EE/firmware/perception to integrate sensors, drivers, and actuators.
• Implement watchdogs, FDI/FDIR, and safe-state behaviors; contribute to coding standards, reviews, and documentation.

• Degree in ME/EE/Robotics/CS (BS required; MS/PhD a plus) or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Strong C/C++ and Python; comfortable writing low-level embedded code (interrupts, DMA, drivers) and performance-aware control loops.
• Deep fundamentals in mechanics, dynamics, and multi-body dynamics (rigid-body kinematics, centroidal/whole-body dynamics, spatial algebra).
• Mastery of linear & state-space control (discrete-time design, LQR/LQG, observers), frequency-domain analysis, and stability/robustness proofs.
• Practical experience with model predictive control (formulation, constraints, warm-starts) and QP/OSQP/qpOASES/acados-style solvers.
• Proficiency in Kalman filtering and multi-sensor fusion; solid grasp of observability and noise modeling.
• System identification experience (grey-box/black-box, parameter estimation, excitation design, validation).
• Embedded platforms: MCUs, embedded Linux/RT-patched kernels, and at least one RTOS.
• Comfortable with motor control and electromechanical systems (encoders, force/torque sensors); scopes/logic analyzers and hardware bring-up.
• Solid software practices: Git, code review, unit/integration testing, and reproducible experiment workflows.

• Degree in ME/EE/Robotics/CS (BS required; MS/PhD a plus) or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Strong C/C++ and Python; comfortable writing low-level embedded code (interrupts, DMA, drivers) and performance-aware control loops.
• Deep fundamentals in mechanics, dynamics, and multi-body dynamics (rigid-body kinematics, centroidal/whole-body dynamics, spatial algebra).
• Mastery of linear & state-space control (discrete-time design, LQR/LQG, observers), frequency-domain analysis, and stability/robustness proofs.
• Practical experience with model predictive control (formulation, constraints, warm-starts) and QP/OSQP/qpOASES/acados-style solvers.
• Proficiency in Kalman filtering and multi-sensor fusion; solid grasp of observability and noise modeling.
• System identification experience (grey-box/black-box, parameter estimation, excitation design, validation).
• Embedded platforms: MCUs, embedded Linux/RT-patched kernels, and at least one RTOS.
• Comfortable with motor control and electromechanical systems (encoders, force/torque sensors); scopes/logic analyzers and hardware bring-up.
• Solid software practices: Git, code review, unit/integration testing, and reproducible experiment workflows.

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 encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

Our salary range is generous ($70,000 - $200,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.

Why Join Field AI?

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.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution

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 Mission Viejo (Irvine adjacent), 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!

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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.