1.83 Robotics Software Engineer, Mapping

FieldAI’s Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California’s robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.

Based in our Irvine office, FieldAI is seeking a robotics software engineer to develop advanced robot perception and 3D mapping algorithms. This is a robot-in-the-loop role where you will regularly work with physical robots, integrate and validate laser scanners, and test mapping performance in realistic environments. You will design and optimize workflows for processing, managing, and documenting large-scale 3D point cloud datasets from real robot runs.

The ideal candidate brings strong point cloud and 3D geometry fundamentals and writes high-quality, maintainable code that improves reliability from data capture through customer deliverables.

What You’ll Get To Do:
• Develop and refine point cloud processing pipelines, including scan alignment, noise reduction, segmentation, and object detection.
• Design and implement scalable systems to store and manage large 3D datasets with high reliability and performance.
• Implement and optimize algorithms in C++ and Python, maintaining a clean and organized code base.
• Explore and integrate emerging technologies and tools to enhance point cloud workflows.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards for 3D documentation and data quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project-specific documentation requirements and deliverables.

What You Have:
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with expertise in robotics and 3D computer vision.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with a proven ability to write maintainable and efficient code.
• Solid background knowledge of 3D geometry, computer vision, and robot kinematics (e.g., transformation matrices).
• Solid understanding of point cloud data structure and related algorithms (e.g., ICP, NDT).
• Hands-on experience with tools and libraries such as PCL, Open3D, and CloudCompare.
• Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS) and software development practices in Ubuntu.
• Familiarity with LiDAR systems and 3D data formats (e.g., PCD, PLY, E57, LAS).
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong work ethic, highly self-motivated, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Extras That Set You Apart:
• Research experience with publications in top-tier conferences or journals related to robotics, computer vision or machine vision.
• Familiarity with backend optimization tools and libraries such as Ceres, GTSAM, g2o.
• Experience with geographical information data and georeferencing algorithms.
• Knowledge of survey control and on-site calibration tools such as total stations.

Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual’s background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market.

Why Join FieldAI in Irvine?
In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics’ hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models™ raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real-world use.
You will collaborate with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world.

Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field-ready autonomy looks like.

We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected statu