Forward Deployed Engineer-Federal

FieldAI

$70K — $300K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2-3 years of experience in software engineering and systems integration in the Field Robotics industry.
  • Hands-on experience in deploying complex technical systems in the field.
  • Proficient in programming languages such as Python and C++, using Git and ROS.
  • Familiar with Linux systems, containerization, and cloud technologies.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in software, hardware, and networking.
  • Ability to adapt in rapidly changing environments with a self-starter mentality.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the deployment of autonomous systems in customer environments from start to finish.
  • Ensure real-world system configuration, testing, and operational performance.
  • Quickly troubleshoot technical issues to support mission success.
  • Analyze field feedback to enhance system reliability and performance.
  • Collaborate with product and engineering teams to integrate improvements.
  • Implement monitoring tools to maintain system reliability over time.
  • Train and support customers, ensuring they achieve operational readiness.

Benefits

  • Full benefits package including health and wellness options.
  • Equity opportunities within the company.
  • Generous time off policy to promote work-life balance.
Full Job Description
About the Job

At FieldAI, we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real-world environments where tight integration between hardware and software is critical. We're looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer to support testing, deployment, and integration of wheeled robotic platforms across both federal and commercial programs

As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Field AI, you'll be at the forefront of bringing our autonomous systems to life in the real world, owning deployment, integration, and ongoing performance in the field. This role is equal parts engineering and problem-solving. You'll work hands-on with both customers and our internal teams to ensure successful operations, rapidly incorporate field feedback to improve reliability and performance, and drive adoption so our systems become mission-critical from day one. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments and want to see your work directly enable the future of autonomy, this is the role where you'll make it happen.
What You'll Get To Do
  • 1. Field Deployment & Operations
    • Lead the end-to-end deployment of autonomous systems in customer environments.
    • >
    • Ensure systems are configured, tested, and operational under real-world conditions.
    • >
    • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly to maintain uptime and mission success.
    • >
  • 2. System Reliability & Performance
    • Gather and analyze field feedback to identify areas for improvement.
    • >
    • Work closely with product and engineering teams to drive enhancements into the core system.
    • >
    • Implement monitoring and diagnostic tools to ensure sustained reliability.
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  • 3. Customer Enablement & Adoption
    • Partner with customer teams to train and support operators in achieving operational readiness.
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    • Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable workflows.
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    • Act as a trusted advisor to accelerate adoption and long-term value realization.
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  • 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Serve as the voice of the customer, bringing field insights back to engineering and product teams.
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    • Collaborate across software, hardware, and AI research groups to deliver integrated solutions.
    • >
    • Contribute to building scalable deployment practices and playbooks for future rollouts.
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What You Have
  • Master's degree or higher in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
  • >
  • 2-3 years of experience in software engineering, systems integration in Field Robotics industry.
  • >
  • Experience in field deployment of complex technical systems.
  • >
  • Proficiency in Python, C++, Git, ROS.
  • >
  • Familiarity with Linux-based systems, containerization, and cloud infrastructure.
  • >
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across software, hardware, and networking layers.
  • >
  • Self-starter mindset with the ability to thrive in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
  • >
The Extras That Set You Apart
  • Experience deploying, operating, or maintaining mission-critical systems in real-world environments.
  • >
  • Experience using Jira or Wrike or Confluence or other program management software tools
  • >
  • Ability to work directly with customers in high-stakes, fast-paced settings, translating needs into technical solutions.
  • >
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
  • >
  • Willingness to travel and work on-site with customers as needed.
  • >


This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team. This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S. Person eligibility. A U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R 120.62 includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) refugee or asylee.

Compensation

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.

$70,000 - $300,000 a year

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