Talent.com
Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous SystemsField AI • Irvine, CA, US
Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Field AI • Irvine, CA, US
[job_card.variable_days_ago]
[job_preview.job_type]
  • [job_card.full_time]
[job_card.job_description]

Job Description

Job Description

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 & Leadership
  • Define and own Field AI’s product safety vision, strategy, and roadmap
  • Establish company-wide safety principles, policies, and governance for robotic systems
  • Act as the executive point of contact for product safety decisions and risk acceptance
  • Balance innovation speed with rigorous, risk-based safety practices

System, Autonomy & AI Safety Oversight

  • Provide technical leadership on system-level safety for autonomous robotic platforms
  • Guide safety approaches for :
  • Autonomous navigation, perception, and planning
  • Human–robot interaction in field environments
  • Fault tolerance, degraded modes, and fail-safe behaviors
  • Oversee safety treatment of AI / ML-driven components , including uncertainty and edge cases
  • Review and approve safety architectures, concepts, and safety cases
  • Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration

  • Partner with leaders across :
  • Autonomy, perception, software, hardware, and systems engineering
  • Field operations, deployment, and customer programs
  • Influence product architecture and roadmap decisions through a safety lens
  • Provide clear, actionable guidance to executives on safety risks, tradeoffs, and mitigations
  • Standards, Compliance & External Engagement

  • Own Field AI’s approach to safety standards, regulatory alignment, and compliance
  • Guide 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 assessors
  • Ensure safety arguments are credible, defensible, and scalable across products
  • Team Building & Organizational Scale

  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-impact product safety team
  • Define roles, responsibilities, and career growth paths for safety engineers
  • Establish scalable safety processes that integrate naturally with engineering workflows
  • Champion a strong safety culture without slowing execution
  • Field Risk & Incident Management

  • Provide executive oversight for :
  • Field deployment risk assessmentsIncident response, investigations, and corrective actions
  • Define thresholds for risk acceptance and deployment readiness
  • Ensure lessons learned from the field are systematically fed back into product design
  • What You Have :

  • Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Systems Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering , or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, product safety, or functional safety
  • Proven experience leading system-level safety for complex electromechanical and software-driven products
  • Track record of influencing architecture and product decisions at a senior level
  • Deep understanding of real-world robotics deployment risks
  • Leadership Attributes

  • Strategic thinker with strong technical judgment
  • Able to make and defend difficult safety decisions under uncertainty
  • Credible with both executives and hands-on engineers
  • Pragmatic, risk-based, and outcome-focused
  • Passionate about deploying safe autonomy in the real world
  • What Will Set You Apart

  • Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field
  • Experience with autonomous mobile robots, outdoor robotics, or defense-adjacent systems
  • Functional Safety certification (e.g., TÜV Functional Safety Engineer)
  • Experience interfacing with regulators, customers, and safety assessors
  • Background in AI / ML-enabled systems and autonomy safety
  • 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 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.

    [job_alerts.create_a_job]

    Director Of Engineering • Irvine, CA, US

    [internal_linking.similar_jobs]
    Melin Director of Retail Operations

    Melin Director of Retail Operations

    OluKai-Kaenon-melin-Roark • San Clemente, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    At melin we set out to create the most premium, highest quality headwear in the world.We believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our products that we can extend the ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Platform Engineering Manager

    Platform Engineering Manager

    Capital Group • Irvine, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    I can succeed as a Platform Engineering and Observability Manager at Capital Group.As a Platform Observability Engineering Manager, you will lead a team that builds and manages a complex set of cap...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Remote FP&A Manager - AI Trainer ($50-$60 / hour)

    Remote FP&A Manager - AI Trainer ($50-$60 / hour)

    Data Annotation • San Clemente, CA, US
    [filters.remote]
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    We are looking for a finance professional to join our team to train AI models.You will measure the progress of these AI chatbots, evaluate their logic, and solve problems to improve the quality of ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Director, Engineering

    Director, Engineering

    Skyworks Solutions • Irvine, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Director, Engineering - BAW Filter NPI.Skyworks Solutions is a leading provider of acoustic solutions for mobile devices, wireless infrastructure, and IoT applications. We are seeking a talented and...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Director of Field Operations

    Director of Field Operations

    Butler Recruitment Group • Corona, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    This position leads the overall execution of projects, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and profitability while maintaining alignment with the company's long-term goals and growth visio...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Engineering Manager (Aerospace & Defense)

    Engineering Manager (Aerospace & Defense)

    Arena Family of Companies • Ontario, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Join a world-class engineering and technology team that has been shaping the industry for over 60 years.Join a global leader driving the future of RF and wireless innovation, pioneering precision R...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Director of Quality

    Director of Quality

    McGuff Pharmaceuticals Inc • Diamond, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced and quality-focused Director of Quality to lead the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) departments across our three regulated entit...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_1_day] • [promoted]
    Dermatologist or Dermatopathologist – Private Practice

    Dermatologist or Dermatopathologist – Private Practice

    HealthEcareers - Client • Dana Point, CA, USA
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    Join a Thriving Coastal Dermatology Practice and Grow Your Career.We’re an established private dermatology practice with 15+ years serving the Dana Point community. Known for our excellence in patie...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Retail Key Holder, Dana-Point, #1444

    Retail Key Holder, Dana-Point, #1444

    Gopuff • Dana Point, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    This position is responsible for opening and closing the store and performing other duties in the absence of management.A Key Holder will assist the store in periods of high volume and provide supp...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems

    Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems

    Field AI • Irvine, California, United States, 92602
    [job_card.full_time]
    Director of Safety Engineering, Robotics & Autonomous Systems.Field AI builds autonomous robotic systems designed to operate in. Our robots work alongside humans in outdoor settings where uncertaint...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_1_day]
    Operations Director

    Operations Director

    Red Sky Lighting • Rancho Cucamonga, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Operations Director is responsible for leading all U.This role oversees assembly operations, quality, supply chain, logistics, planning, procurement, and supplier development across the U.The p...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Director of Operations

    Director of Operations

    Akash dba Carls' Jr Field / Ops • Pomona, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Position : Director of Operations— Carl's Jr.Akash Management, LLC is a restaurant leading company while doing business as Carl's Jr. Our Commitment to Winning : “We outperform eve...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Dermatologist or Dermatopathologist – Private Practice

    Dermatologist or Dermatopathologist – Private Practice

    Confidential • Dana Point, US
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    Join a Thriving Coastal Dermatology Practice and Grow Your Career.We’re an established private dermatology practice with 15+ years serving the Dana Point community. Known for our excellence in patie...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Senior Designer Low Voltage Systems

    Senior Designer Low Voltage Systems

    PyroComm Systems • Irvine, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Compensation : $80,000 $95,000 (DOE).Founded in 1980 in Huntington Beach, CA, Pyro-Comm Systems has grown into one of Californias premier fire alarm and low voltage contractors.With over four decade...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Nutrition Sales Consultant

    Nutrition Sales Consultant

    Just Food For Dogs • Dana Point, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Pack leaders wanted! We are JustFoodForDogs, and our passion is to help give all animals 'More life.If you share our passion, apply to be a Nutrition Consultant today! Our most successful Nutri...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Administrative Assistant

    Administrative Assistant

    Express Employment • San Clemente, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Express Employment in Laguna Hills is recruiting for a full time, long term, Administrative Assistant for a company located in San Clemente. This company is growing quickly and there is room for gro...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Director of Technical Design

    Director of Technical Design

    24 Seven Talent • Orange County, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Director of Technical Design oversees the development and execution of technical packages, fit standards, and construction methods for all categories. This position owns the fitting process from...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Certified Home Health Aide

    Certified Home Health Aide

    MEDQUEST HEALTH SERVICES INC • San Clemente, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA).You will directly work with patients, following a one-on-one care plan in patient homes. You operate with a big heart, not only providing personalized and attentive...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]