1.8 Robotics AI Engineer – Calibration, Localization, and Mapping

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.

Robotics AI Engineer – Calibration, Localization, and Mapping

Location: Mission Viejo, CA

About Field AI

Field AI is at the forefront of robotic embodied AI, transforming industries like construction, security, mining, and manufacturing. Our autonomous robots operate globally, often in harsh environments, delivering critical insights to customers. Whether monitoring construction progress, ensuring safety compliance, or conducting predictive maintenance, Field AI is advancing technology to make a meaningful impact.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Job

Field AI is seeking passionate scientists and engineers to play a vital role in the development of advanced geometric robot perception algorithms. As a member of our Calibration, Localization, and Mapping (CLAM) team, you will work with a team of high-focused individuals in a fast-paced environment to deliver production-quality code within our calibration, localization, and mapping subsystems. You will work with a variety of different sensing modalities and help streamline our calibration pipeline and/or develop environment-agnostic localization and mapping algorithms for our downstream autonomy modules. The specific project and work that you will be doing will depend on your specific skill set and area of interest. The ideal candidate will not only have a deep theoretical understanding of modern calibration, localization, and mapping algorithms, but also the practical skills to deliver high-quality and maintainable code on a small, focused team in a fast-paced environment.

• Design and implement state-of-the-art calibration, localization, and mapping algorithms for our autonomous quadrupeds and humanoids
• Develop various tools and metrics to continuously validate and benchmark the performance of our various subsystems
• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code in C++ and Python
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and deploy your algorithms into real-world systems

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with expertise in calibration, localization, and/or 3D mapping
• Strong mathematical foundation in linear algebra, probability theory, numerical optimization, 3D geometry, Lie theory, and 3D kinematics
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience with different linear and non-linear state estimation frameworks for sensor fusion
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art LiDAR-inertial odometry and SLAM algorithms
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art visual-inertial odometry and SLAM algorithms
• Experience with sensor calibration (intrinsics and extrinsics) and time synchronization
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python and modern best practices, with the ability to write maintainable and efficient code
• Strong understanding how ROS works and experience with designing, building, and deploying your own nodes into a complex robotic system
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and being able to work independently while managing multiple priorities
• Strong work ethic, highly self-motivated, and excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Publications and/or patents in calibration, state estimation, odometry, and/or SLAM
• Experience working with noisy sensor measurements and designing outlier-resilient algorithms
• Experience working with computationally constrained platforms and designing efficient, real-time algorithms with low computational complexity
• Experience with other sensing modalities (e.g., radar, doppler-LiDAR, GPS, etc.)
• Experience with modern version control and project management tools

Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy:

Field AI believes in-person collaboration is essential for tackling complex challenges. This is a fully onsite role based in our Irvine, CA office, with flexible hours to support work-life balance.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

Our salary range is between ($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, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.