R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI•Irvine, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

FieldAI is hiring an R&D Technician to assemble, integrate, and validate sensing and compute payloads for robotics systems. The role combines mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and system-level debugging, supporting both prototype development and production workflows in collaboration with engineers. The technician helps ensure payloads are reliable and ready for field use, and contributes to improvements in build processes and system reliability. The position is based with FieldAI’s Irvine team, where hardware is assembled, tested, and prepared for real-world deployments. Work includes assembling perception payloads, integrating embedded compute, building and checking harnesses and power systems, testing and documenting results, troubleshooting integration issues, and supporting lab tests, field trials, demonstrations, and payload servicing.

Requirements

At least 2 years of hands-on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or a related electro-mechanical assembly environment.
Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, and basic machine-shop tools.
Ability to read and follow wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.
Experience building wire harnesses and working with low-voltage electrical systems.
Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware.
Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline, with the ability to deliver reliable assemblies.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in workshop, lab, or field environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with perception systems such as LiDAR, cameras, radar, or IMUs.
Familiarity with Linux, ROS2, or embedded-system bring-up workflows.
Soldering, crimping, or IPC-certified workmanship skills.
Understanding of thermal management, weather sealing, EMI/EMC basics, and ruggedized mechanical design.
Experience supporting prototype builds, rapid iteration cycles, or field-test deployments.
Ability to design or suggest simple fixtures or jigs to improve assembly and repeatability.
Experience assembling complex electro-mechanical systems, especially robotics, drones, or ruggedized field hardware.

Responsibilities

Assemble perception payloads with LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS receivers, and auxiliary sensors using engineering drawings and build instructions.
Install and integrate CPU/GPU compute modules, carrier boards, and microcontroller-based subsystems.
Build and route wire harnesses for power, high-speed data, synchronization, and control.
Install mounts, enclosures, gaskets, seals, thermal components, and structural hardware.
Perform continuity, grounding/EMI, and power-rail checks.
Assist with bring-up of Linux- or ROS2-based embedded compute systems.
Validate communication links across Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other interfaces; verify connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain relief.
Run functional tests such as sensor bring-up, calibration checks, compute boot and health tests, and network verification.
Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions accurately.
Support environmental, vibration, mechanical-alignment, and thermal-characterization tests led by hardware engineers.
Inspect workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety.
Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures.
Work with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to identify root causes and improve build processes.
Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and production streamlining opportunities.
Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real-world deployment.
Support integration and troubleshooting during lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations, including rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments.