Robotics Research Internship-Locomotion & Planning (Summer 2026)

Posted:
2/17/2026, 3:44:56 AM

Location(s):
California, United States ⋅ Irvine, California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Internship

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

Workplace Type:
On-site

About the Internship

Field AI is building the future of autonomy—from rugged terrain to real-world deployment. We’re on a mission to develop intelligent, adaptable robotic systems that operate beyond simulation and thrive in unpredictable environments. 

We are offering a Summer 2026 internship focused on learning-based locomotion and planning for PhD students interested in advancing autonomous legged robot capabilities. As a research intern, you will work at the intersection of reinforcement learning, locomotion control, and learned planning, developing integrated systems that enable robots to move and navigate intelligently through complex, unstructured environments.

You will collaborate closely with Field AI research scientists and engineers to design experiments, develop locomotion and planning systems, and validate ideas in simulation and on real hardware. This internship emphasizes building tightly integrated learning-based systems that connect low-level locomotion with high-level planning, translating research into practical, deployable capabilities for real-world robotics.
Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy

At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our Irvine, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.

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.

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.