Director of R&D Hardware Engineering

OverviewDirector of Engineering | R&D Leadership | Product Innovation - Hybrid – Orange County, CABuild. Lead. Innovate. Fieldpiece designs and builds the tools that HVACR pros rely on to keep the world running comfortably. As our Director of Engineering, you’ll lead the innovation engine behind industry-leading diagnostic tools and instruments — translating customer insights into breakthrough products trusted by professionals worldwide. We’re looking for a strategic, hands-on R&D leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, execution, and people leadership. You’ll manage a team of engineers, help define the technical roadmap, scale organizational capability, solve challenging problems with your team and ODM partners, and empower teams to deliver products that set new industry standards.What You’ll DoLead a multi-disciplinary R&D engineering team – build, coach, and inspire.Partner cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Quality, and Operations to drive seamless New Product Development (NPD) from concept through launch.Drive operational excellence through Lean product development, process optimization, and KPI accountability.Manage budgets, resources, and strategic priorities across simultaneous programs.Strengthen relationships with ODMs and strategic suppliers to expand innovation capacity and accelerate time-to-market.What You BringBachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or similar STEM field; Master’s or MBA preferred.12+ years of progressive engineering and R&D leadership experience, including managing cross-functional and matrixed teams.Proven success leading new product development and managing supplier/ODM partnerships.Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance management.Experience with Lean product development or similar continuous improvement methodologies.Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills — a motivator who connects strategy to execution.Why FieldpieceProudly recognized as a Best Place to Work in SoCal (2023–2025), Fieldpiece offers a career journey — not just a job. With our Hire-to-Retire philosophy, hybrid work environment, and culture of curiosity, you’ll have the space and support to innovate boldly, grow continuously, and make a tangible impact on an industry that powers everyday life.Matching 401k up to 4% with immediate vesting.Healthcare premiums are subsidized 80% for you and your family with HSA and FSA options.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 moreEOE AA M/F/Veteran/DisabilityThe base annual salary range for this role is currently $160,000-190,000 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 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.Our ValuesOur 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 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.Job DetailsSeniority level: DirectorEmployment type: Full-timeJob function: Engineering and ManagementIndustries: Appliances, Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing; HVAC and Refrigeration Equipment ManufacturingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Fieldpiece Instruments by 2xInferred from the description for this jobLocation: Irvine, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr