Principal Mechanical Engineer

Fieldpiece Instruments • Orange, CA

29d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Principal Mechanical Engineer for New Product Development, you'll own the technical direction for new products from concept through production. This is a highly visible role where you'll combine strategic technical leadership with hands-on engineering - designing, prototyping, testing, and solving complex technical challenges that solve real problems. You'll lead a multidisciplinary engineering team spanning mechanical, electrical, firmware, and test engineering while collaborating with project managers, product managers, suppliers, contract manufacturers, and executive leadership to bring innovative products to market. You’ll make critical technical decisions that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule. This position is in our Orange, CA office with an exciting move to Tustin, CA in 2028. This role follows a hybrid work schedule, with employees typically working onsite three days per week. Additional in-office days may be required from time to time for onboarding, training, team meetings, project collaboration, or other business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of progressive mechanical / electro-mechanical new product development experience
• Demonstrated experience leading mechanical product development from concept through production
• Strong mechanical fundamentals with the ability to independently solve complex problems using structured problem‑solving and risk tools (KT, RCCA, FMEA, fault trees, etc.)
• Experience prioritizing requirements in ambiguous environments and making product‑level tradeoffs
• Hands‑on experience with CAD, BOM management, and design documentation
• Experience designing or overseeing test fixtures, validation systems, and verification plans
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally (typically ~1 overseas trip/year)

Nice To Haves

• HVAC, refrigeration, thermodynamics, heat transfer, etc. knowledge
• Vacuum pump or fluid‑handling system experience
• Tools, appliances, or electromechanical consumer products experience
• Ability to communicate in Mandarin

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the technical development of new connected products from concept through production launch.
• Define product architecture, engineering requirements, and technical direction while balancing customer needs, performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.
• Be a hands-on resource with design, prototyping, analysis, and troubleshooting of complex electromechanical systems.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional engineering teams (internal and external), including mechanical, electrical, firmware, and test engineers.
• Develop validation strategies, oversee testing, and use data to drive continuous product improvements.
• Partner with Product Management, Project Management, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to deliver high-quality products on schedule.
• Drive engineering excellence through design reviews, FMEA, RCCA, and other structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Protect innovation through patent development and contribute to engineering best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Individual Development Plans for everyone and a commitment to support career development
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Music program – music rooms in all US offices with onsite guitar, piano, and voice lessons in California (classes can be streamed for other offices)
• Recognition programs, launch parties and team building events to share successes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior