Embedded Systems Engineer – Robotics Hardware

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world, building risk-aware and reliable AI systems for robotics. The Embedded Systems Engineer will contribute to the architecture and validation of compute systems for robotic platforms, focusing on low-level firmware and system performance analysis. Responsibilities Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, I²C, SPI, CAN) Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling Support root-cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools. Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking Skills Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs) Linux: Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools Firmware: Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare-metal and RTOS environments Programming: Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development Communication Protocols: Experience with USB, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces ROS Ecosystem: Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing Debugging: Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers) Systems Thinking: Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms Company Overview FieldAI is pioneering the development of a field-proven, hardware agnostic brain technology that enables many different types of robots to operate autonomously in hazardous, offroad, and potentially harsh industrial settings – all without GPS, maps, or any pre-programmed routes. It was founded in 2023, and is headquartered in Mission Viejo, California, USA, with a workforce of 11-50 employees. Its website is Company H1B Sponsorship FieldAI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 9 in 2025. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.