R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

Job description

**About Us** [Field AI](https://www.fieldai.com/) 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. **Assembly Technician Role** As an Assembly Technician for Perception & Compute Payloads, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for assembling, integrating, and validating Field AI’s sensing and compute payloads. You will build electro-mechanical subsystems, integrate sensors and embedded compute platforms, perform harnessing and power system checks, support functional testing, and ensure every payload is field-ready and reliable. This role bridges mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and practical system-level debugging. You will support both prototype development and production workflows while working closely with engineers to improve build processes and increase system reliability. ## **What You Will Get To Do** **1. Payload Assembly & Integration** - Assemble perception payloads including 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. **2. Electrical, Power, and Communication Bring-Up** - Perform continuity checks, grounding/EMI checks, and power-rail validation. - Assist in bring-up of Linux- or ROS2-based embedded compute systems. - Validate communication links across Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other interfaces. - Verify correct connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain-relief practices. **3. System Testing & Quality Assurance** - Run functional tests including sensor bring-up, calibration checks, compute boot/health tests, and network verification. - Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions with high accuracy. - Support environmental, vibration, mechanical alignment, and thermal characterization tests led by hardware engineers. - Conduct inspections for workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety. **4. Debugging & Continuous Improvement** - Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures. - Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root-cause issues and improve build processes. - Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and opportunities to streamline production. **5. Field & Operations Support** - Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real-world deployment. - Support integration and troubleshooting activities during lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations. - Perform rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments. ## **What You Have** - 2+ years of hands-on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related electro-mechanical assembly environments. - 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, documentation discipline, and ability to deliver reliable assemblies. - Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in workshop, lab, or field environments. **What Will Set You Apart** - Experience working 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.