5.25 Robot Security & Linux Systems Administrator

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.

Job Summary:

This role combines deep Linux systems expertise with a focus on securing robotic platforms and their supporting infrastructure. The engineer will be responsible for hardening Ubuntu-based systems, securing robotic communications, enforcing encryption and privacy standards, and managing the lifecycle of critical Linux services used in autonomous and networked robots.

• Manage and secure Ubuntu and Debian-based systems used in robotic and embedded environments.
• Maintain system uptime, kernel updates, and package management with strong focus on security and compliance.
• Lock down robotic OS images, enforce secure boot configurations, and manage patching for real-time kernels.
• Conduct system and network vulnerability assessments across robotic subsystems (firmware, middleware, and cloud integrations).
• Harden communication layers — DDS/ROS2, MQTT, BLE/Wi-Fi, and WebRTC — ensuring encryption, authentication, and message integrity.
• Audit and remediate weak cryptographic implementations (e.g., Blowfish ECB, LCG-based key generation) and enforce modern cryptography standards (AES-GCM, ECC, TLS 1.3).
• Protect telemetry and sensor data from unauthorized external connections and persistent unencrypted transmission.
• Oversee user access, SSH configurations, and credential management across Linux-based robotic endpoints and servers.
• Implement centralized monitoring, logging, and intrusion detection (CrowdStrike, OSSEC, Wazuh, or similar).
• Build and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python, Ansible) for configuration management and compliance enforcement.
• Support DevOps and engineering teams with CI/CD security, container hardening, and secure deployment of robotic software.
• Maintain compliance documentation and baselines aligned with frameworks such as NIST 800-171, CMMC, and SOC 2.

• Expert in Ubuntu/Linux systems administration, including kernel tuning, network stack, and user management.
• Proven experience with robotic or IoT systems security, especially involving ROS2/DDS, MQTT, or embedded Linux.
• Strong background in applied cryptography, secure key management, and encryption at rest/in transit.
• Familiarity with real-time Linux (RT Preemption Patch) and resource-constrained environments.
• Hands-on experience with automation and infrastructure tools (Ansible, Terraform, or equivalent).
• Ability to analyze binaries, firmware, and system daemons for vulnerabilities.
• Scripting and debugging skills in Bash, Python, and Go.
• Experience with secure cloud integration for robotic telemetry and command services (AWS, Azure, or private clouds).
• Must be a U.S. Citizen (Federal Projects).

• 5 years in Linux systems administration, cybersecurity, or robotics engineering.
• Experience mitigating vulnerabilities in robotic or autonomous systems, including hardware interfaces and telemetry layers.
• Prior work in regulated or high-assurance environments (defense, industrial automation, medical robotics).
• Certifications: LPIC, RHCE, CISSP, or GIAC (preferred but not required)

Our salary range is generous and 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. 

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 Revolution

To 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, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $115,000 - $140,000