2.91 Software Engineer: Thermal Intelligence & Mapping

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.
As a Software Engineer, you’ll design and implement cutting-edge thermal perception systems that enable autonomous robots to interpret and map heat signatures with precision. Your work will help identify structural defects, detect energy inefficiencies, and enhance situational awareness in mission-critical applications. You’ll be at the forefront of multi-modal sensor fusion, AI-driven anomaly detection, and real-time thermal SLAM, making robots smarter and more adaptive to their environments.
This role is ideal for engineers passionate about thermal imaging, AI-driven perception, and robotics. If you’re excited about turning heat maps into intelligent insights, advancing real-time mapping, and building the future of thermal intelligence, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Develop thermal mapping algorithms that combine SLAM, infrared imaging, and AI-based perception.
• Build real-time AI models for heat anomaly detection, object recognition, and predictive maintenance.
• Design and optimize multi-modal sensor fusion pipelines (thermal, LiDAR, RGB, depth) for accurate spatial mapping.
• Implement SLAM techniques tailored for thermal-based localization and autonomous navigation.
• Optimize thermal imaging data processing for real-time deployment on autonomous robots.
• Create automated insights pipelines, leveraging deep learning to extract key thermal intelligence for customers.
• Work on thermal vision AI models, applying deep learning and edge inference for real-time decision-making.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate thermal sensors into robotic platforms.

What You Have

• A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Vision, AI, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Expertise in thermal imaging technologies, with experience working with FLIR, Seek Thermal, or similar infrared cameras.
• Strong background in robotic perception, SLAM, and sensor fusion (LiDAR, depth, RGB, thermal).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with experience in real-time processing, robotics, and AI.
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) for thermal analysis.
• Knowledge of computer vision techniques, including feature extraction, 3D reconstruction, and real-time mapping.
• Experience with robotic middleware (ROS/ROS2) and sensor calibration for multi-modal perception.
• Ability to develop high-performance AI pipelines that process thermal data in real time.

What Sets You Apart

• Experience with onboard AI models for thermal pattern recognition and anomaly detection.
• Knowledge of deep learning-based feature extraction for thermal imaging.
• Background in geospatial analysis, GPS-based localization, and UAV-based thermal mapping.
• Hands-on experience integrating thermal sensors into autonomous robots or drones.

Compensation and BenefitsOur salary range is generous ($70,000 - $300,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.
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 RevolutionTo 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 headquartered in always-sunny Mission Viejo (Irvine adjacent), Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 
Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!


We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.