Robotics Autonomy Engineer-Planning and Control

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:
• Field AI is building the future of autonomy—from rugged terrain to real-world deployment. We’re on a mission to develop intelligent, adaptable robotic systems that operate beyond simulation and thrive in unpredictable environments.
• As our Robotics Autonomy Engineer – Planning and Control, you’ll design, implement, and deploy advanced motion planning and control algorithms that enable our robots to move with precision, robustness, and efficiency across diverse environments.
• You’ll work on navigation, trajectory generation, and motion control for robotic platforms ranging from wheeled and legged systems to complex humanoid architectures.
• If enabling robots to navigate challenging, dynamic environments excites you, and you want to work where your code hits the ground (literally) — this is your role. This is Field AI.

What You'll Get To Do:
• 1. Develop Robust Motion Planning Algorithms
• Design, develop, and refine motion and navigation planning algorithms for challenging real-world scenarios such as narrow passages, dynamic obstacles, and complex environments.
• Design optimization-driven approaches for path and trajectory generation that ensure smooth, reliable, and efficient robot navigation across modalities.
• Ensure scalability, reusability, and adaptability of planning approaches across diverse deployment contexts.

• 2. Advance Control and Planning Integration
• Develop and tune control algorithms that ensure precise trajectory tracking and stable operation across different robotic systems.
• Collaborate across autonomy layers to ensure seamless coordination between perception, planning, and control for robust real-world performance.

• 3. Validate and Test Across the Stack
• Build and maintain testing pipelines from unit-level validation to full robot deployment.
• Utilize simulation and testing environments for algorithm evaluation, benchmarking, and regression validation.
• Analyze real-world telemetry to diagnose issues, identify improvements, and enhance algorithm robustness.

• 4. Diagnose and Improve Field Performance
• Investigate and resolve issues arising from field deployments through structured data analysis and debugging.
• Deliver targeted improvements that address specific challenges while maintaining general-case reliability and performance.

What You Have:
• Master’s degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (PhD a plus).
• Strong understanding of motion planning, trajectory generation, and control systems.
• Experience developing algorithms for one or more robotic systems (wheeled, legged, wheeled-legged, humanoid).
• Solid programming skills in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems.
• Familiarity with robotics middleware such as ROS/ROS 2.
• Experience with robot sensors including LiDARs, stereo/depth cameras, IMUs, GPS, wheel encoders

The Extras That Set You Apart:
• Exposure to real-world deployment of autonomous systems.
• Background in optimization, control, or numerical methods for trajectory planning.
• Familiarity with learning-based or hybrid planning approaches.
• Contributions to open-source planning or control frameworks.
• Familiarity with safety-critical autonomy and industrial robotics use cases.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $70,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time.

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.

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 dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.