Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Field AI builds autonomous robotic systems designed to operate in complex, unstructured, and safety-critical real-world environments. Our robots work alongside humans in outdoor settings where uncertainty, scale, and operational risk are fundamental challenges. Safety is a core product capability at Field AI. As our systems transition from advanced R&D into scaled field deployment, we are seeking a Director of Robotics Product Safety to define and lead the company’s product safety vision, strategy, and execution.As Director of Robotics Product Safety, you will own Field AI’s end-to-end product safety function. You will set the safety strategy for autonomous robotic systems, establish scalable safety processes, and serve as the executive-level authority on product safety across the organization. This role combines deep technical judgment, systems safety leadership, and cross-functional influence. You will work closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, and external stakeholders to ensure Field AI’s robots are safe, deployable, and trusted in the field.What You'll Get To Do:Safety Strategy & LeadershipDefine and own Field AI’s product safety vision, strategy, and roadmapEstablish company-wide safety principles, policies, and governance for robotic systemsAct as the executive point of contact for product safety decisions and risk acceptanceBalance innovation speed with rigorous, risk-based safety practicesSystem, Autonomy & AI Safety OversightProvide technical leadership on system-level safety for autonomous robotic platformsGuide safety approaches for: Autonomous navigation, perception, and planningHuman–robot interaction in field environmentsFault tolerance, degraded modes, and fail-safe behaviorsOversee safety treatment of AI/ML-driven components, including uncertainty and edge casesReview and approve safety architectures, concepts, and safety casesCross-Functional & Executive CollaborationPartner with leaders across:Autonomy, perception, software, hardware, and systems engineeringField operations, deployment, and customer programsInfluence product architecture and roadmap decisions through a safety lensProvide clear, actionable guidance to executives on safety risks, tradeoffs, and mitigationsStandards, Compliance & External EngagementOwn Field AI’s approach to safety standards, regulatory alignment, and complianceGuide interpretation and application of relevant standards (e.g., ISO 12100, IEC 61508, ISO 13849, ISO 10218)Lead engagements with customers, partners, regulators, and third-party assessorsEnsure safety arguments are credible, defensible, and scalable across productsTeam Building & Organizational ScaleBuild, lead, and mentor a high-impact product safety teamDefine roles, responsibilities, and career growth paths for safety engineersEstablish scalable safety processes that integrate naturally with engineering workflowsChampion a strong safety culture without slowing executionField Risk & Incident ManagementProvide executive oversight for:Field deployment risk assessmentsIncident response, investigations, and corrective actionsDefine thresholds for risk acceptance and deployment readinessEnsure lessons learned from the field are systematically fed back into product designWhat You Have:Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Systems Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience10 years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, product safety, or functional safetyProven experience leading system-level safety for complex electromechanical and software-driven productsTrack record of influencing architecture and product decisions at a senior levelDeep understanding of real-world robotics deployment risksLeadership AttributesStrategic thinker with strong technical judgmentAble to make and defend difficult safety decisions under uncertaintyCredible with both executives and hands-on engineersPragmatic, risk-based, and outcome-focusedPassionate about deploying safe autonomy in the real worldWhat Will Set You ApartMaster’s degree or PhD in a relevant fieldExperience with autonomous mobile robots, outdoor robotics, or defense-adjacent systemsFunctional Safety certification (e.g., TÜV Functional Safety Engineer)Experience interfacing with regulators, customers, and safety assessorsBackground in AI/ML-enabled systems and autonomy safetyOur 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 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 Irvine in 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 : $70,000 - $80,000