Field Operations Engineer
Picogrid
El Segundo, CA · $70k–$120k a year · Posted March 13, 2026
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Where El Segundo, CA ranks
Where El Segundo, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #7Best cities for manufacturing and industrial pay after cost of living$145k · of 35
- #8Best cities for energy and utilities pay after cost of living$146k · of 18
- #8Best all-round cities for new graduates in the West Coast58 / 100 · of 39
- #10Best cities for manufacturing and industrial jobs339 openings · of 100
- #12Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the West Coast491 openings · of 60
- #14Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast48 jobs · of 47
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among industrial engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for industrial engineers: 4% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
Who we are
Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Picogrid is seeking a Field Operations Engineer to help build the next generation of American defense technology. As a core member of Picogrid’s engineering team, you will help define our engineering culture and product roadmap.
As a Field Operations Engineer, you will work on the PCBAs and electrical systems powering Picogrid's current (e.g. Lander http://picogrid.com/lander, Helios http://picogrid.com/helios) and future (unannounced) hardware platforms, enabling the deployment and operation of unmanned and autonomous systems into operations around the world.
You will own the fleet maintenance processes from blank-sheet design to in-field troubleshooting and work alongside Picogrid’s world-class engineering team coming from companies including SpaceX, Google, Twitter, and more.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Travel to unique parts of the country. Work with cutting edge technology in a fast paced, highly iterative engineering culture. See your work's impact firsthand as you create value for customers in every project.
- Configure network equipment, flash circuit boards, configure Linux machines by running bash scripts in R&D and field settings.
- Travel 50-70% of your time across interesting and unique parts of the country to perform equipment installations and servicing.
- Write python and bash scripts to automate configuration processes.
- Collaborate with Electrical, Embedded and Software Engineers during design stages.
- Prepare and maintain detailed design documentation for your work.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
- Support prototype development and perform hands-on testing to validate design performance.
- Obsess about quality, look for improvements that speed up and simplify processes.
- Develop jigs and stations to increase speed and yield of manufacturing.
- Respect workplace safety guidelines and take LV DC safety seriously.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- No degree required. Preferred expertise related to Network Engineering, IT, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
- Growth mindset, desire to learn, results-oriented focus.
- Proven experience in network equipment configuration.
- Proficiency in network equipment configuration.
- Proficiency in harnessing assembly and installation.
- Proficiency in interpreting and applying design specifications, datasheets, and technical drawings.
- Familiarity with Linux.
- Familiarity with command line interface, bash.
- Proficiency in leveraging modern tools to 10x your productivity.
- Strong knowledge of networks, electrical, and harnessing systems.
- Experience with testing tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, DAQs, etc.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 4+ years of experience with IT, electrical/mechanical assembly
- Military, aerospace, or IC background
- Track record of leadership demonstrated through management, public service, community organizing, or similar experience
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Base salary range: $70,000 - $120,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
- Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
- Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
- Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
- Paid parental leave for both parents
- Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
- Free EV charging at the HQ
- Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
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Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.