Senior Data Operations Engineer

About the role

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. Our R&D team, the FieldAI Research Institute (FAIRI), is based in Cambridge, MA, where we build risk-aware, field-ready AI systems that unlock general purpose intelligence for robotics. FAIRI is looking for a Senior Data Operations Engineer to run the day-to-day of our data operations function.

Responsibilities

• Data Tooling & Infrastructure — 25% Build and maintain hardware sensor suites — sensor harnesses, camera arrays, mounting fixtures, wearable sensor stacks (including soldering and cable assembly). Write and maintain QA scripts for in-house and vendor data drops. Build and maintain annotation software and other internal data tooling.
• Data Collection & Annotation — 25% Run motion capture, teleoperation, and human-subjects data collection sessions yourself — the fastest way to dogfood and stress-test tooling and protocols before handing them to the team. Annotate robotics/AV datasets (object interaction, contact state, multi-agent) against FAIRI’s evaluation framework. Use hands-on collection and annotation work to surface tooling gaps and drive the tooling roadmap above.
• Team Management & Documentation — 25% Manage and schedule data collection interns and contractors; own day-to-day throughput and quality. Onboard and train interns/contractors on equipment, SOPs, and the informed-consent process. Write and maintain SOPs and other supporting documentation for data collection, annotation, and lab operations. Own first-level QC and escalation for intern/contractor output; flag protocol or safety issues.
• Techical Demo Support — 25% Learn the product stack and operate various robotic platforms to demonstrate FieldAI FFM (Field Foundation Model) capabilities. Support demo planning and execution, coordinating with the Research Operations Partner. Help produce content showcasing FieldAI’s ability to deploy robots on dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs. Troubleshoot hardware and software issues live during demos with important stakeholders.

Requirements

• You don’t need every skill below, but you should bring real, hands-on depth in several of them: Soldering and cable assembly Motion capture systems (e.g., Vicon, OptiTrack, markerless/IMU) Data annotation for robotics or autonomous vehicles QA for hardware and/or software 3D scanning and 3D printing Data collection and human subjects research (IRB/consent familiarity a plus)
• Python, Java, or equivalent scripting LIDAR Robotics (platforms, sensors, or control) Linux command line Blender or Unity Film/TV production

Qualifications

• Comfortable moving between hardware and software in the same day: genuinely hands-on, not hands-off. High ownership: you can take an open-ended ask (“troubleshoot why this data had issues”) and run with it without much hand-holding. Strong documentation habits: you leave SOPs and processes better than you found them.

Skills

• Background in film/TV production, game development, data operations, or another field where wearing every hat is normal
• Interest in humanoid robotics and how machines learn from human movement

Why FAIRI

• This role sits inside FAIRI’s Research Operations function, supporting the Humanoid Program. It’s built to grow: the Data Operations Engineering track is expected to scale from one person today to a small team over the next 12-18 months, and this hire is a leading candidate for Data Operations Engineering Lead as that team stands up.

Why Join Field AI?

• FieldAI is tackling one of robotics’ hardest problems: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ advance perception, planning, localization, and manipulation with an emphasis on explainability and safety, so our systems can be trusted where it matters most.
• We are looking for people who push beyond conventional approaches, enjoy tackling tough and ambiguous questions, and bring interdisciplinary perspective. Our success depends on exceptional AI researchers and engineers, as well as strong software developers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators who can turn breakthroughs into real capability.
• We are headquartered in Mission Viejo (Irvine adjacent), Southern California, with teammates across the US and around the world. Join us to shape the future of embodied intelligence as part of a fun, close-knit team building systems that work in the real world.

Equal Opportunity

FieldAI celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.