Principal Mechanical Engineer

At Fieldpiece Instruments, we’re on a mission to make the lives of HVACR professionals easier, faster, and better through tools that set new standards for performance and reliability. We’ve been delivering rugged, feature-rich tools like meters, manifolds, leak detectors, and more since 1990 and lead the industry in the way we think, work, collaborate, and remain laser-focused on creating products that empower HVACR professionals – today and tomorrow.

We’re seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in vacuum pump design and performance to join our growing R&D team. In this role, you’ll lead the mechanical design and development of next-generation vacuum pumps. You’re curious, innovative, and a self-starter with a bias towards action. Travel up to 20% is required. If you’re passionate about mechanical systems, fluid dynamics, and designing products that perform under real-world conditions — this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Recognized as one of Southern California’s Best Places to Work (2023, 2024 & 2025), we provide a Hire-to-Retire philosophy and a culture of curiosity – a place where you’ll have the support to innovate boldly, grow continuously, and make a tangible impact on an industry that powers everyday life.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, develop, and test new vacuum pumps and HVACR tools.
• Optimize performance, noise, and efficiency through design innovation.
• Lead lab and field testing, data analysis, and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with global partners to ensure quality and manufacturability.
• Mentor engineers and contribute as a subject matter expert in vacuum systems.

What You Bring:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (MS preferred).
• 7+ years in mechanical design, including 3+ in vacuum or fluid-handling systems.
• Strong understanding of vacuum principles, gas flow, seals, and rotating machinery.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and structured problem-solving tools (RCCA, FMEA).
• Ability to travel up to 20% - national and international.

At Fieldpiece, we believe great work deserves great rewards. Some of our offerings include:

• Matching 401k up to 4% with immediate vesting.
• Excellent medical options including HSA plans and monthly contributions.
• Supplemental Term Life, Employee Assistance Programs (EAD), and more.
• Hire to Retire philosophy that includes personal career development plans.
• Onsite music program with lessons from guitar, piano and voice coaches.
• And more!

Our values drive everything we do and our culture.

We are a TRIBE.

Our collective growth starts with individual growth.

We are fully engaged and empowered, collaborating to achieve our common mission.

Our people are central in making Fieldpiece the best place we will work, ever.

We do the UPFRONT HOMEWORK.

We are prepared before coming together to move forward effectively.

We begin with the end in mind by understanding The Why upfront, visualizing, researching, and acting.

We address obstacles head-on with creativity, grit and tenacity, while having fun along the way.

We deliver the RIGHT STUFF.

We deliver innovative solutions by seeing the world through the eyes of our customers.

Our culture of purposeful critical thinking leads to greatness now, rather than perfection never.

We earn TRUST.

We prove our credibility, reliability, and genuine interest in others to build lasting relationships.

Our tribe, partners, end users, suppliers and channel partners can rely on us to listen, act with integrity, and deliver quality.

We are LEAN.

We never stop searching for a better way.

We get started, fail fast, and move forward.

Our actions deliver valuable results.

We leave our EGO at the door.

We are unconcerned to be judged by the questions we ask.

With humility, we value and pursue ideas and feedback from everyone.

Our personal success is derived from the tribe’s success.

EOE AA M/F/Veteran/Disability

The base annual salary range for this role is currently $138,000-160,000 plus bonus. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members. We can share more information about our bonus program and benefits during the hiring process.

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