Product Category Director

Fieldpiece; Orange (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401k up to 4%

Medical benefits with HSA

Life/Disability/EAP

Hire-to-Retire career development

Onsite music program

More benefits

Job summary

Fieldpiece is seeking a hands‑on Senior Engineering Lead for New Product Development from Concept to Launch in Orange, CA. This role owns the product line, translating unmet customer needs into breakthrough HVACR tools and instruments while guiding cross‑functional teams from concept to market launch.

You will lead end‑to‑end development, validate concepts, and drive technology choices that deliver real, differentiated value. A strong engineering background with customer insight is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; MBA a plus.
• 10+ years in engineering, product development, or product management roles.
• Proven experience developing complete, tangible, complex products.
• Demonstrated success using Voice of Customer insights to create innovative, high‑value products.
• Strong technical fluency—able to engage engineers, suppliers, and customers with credibility.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and influencing at all levels.
• Willing to travel (up to 30%) for customer and ODM engagement.
• Experience in HVACR, tools, or instruments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end product innovation—from opportunity identification and concept creation to global market launch and lifecycle refreshes.
• Be the customer advocate—translate unmet needs into product requirements and turn insights into high‑demand solutions.
• Drive technology strategy—identify, validate, and integrate the right technologies that deliver differentiated value.
• Prototype, test, iterate—own early concept validation and ensure every new product hits the mark before scaling.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D, design, marketing, and ODM partners to deliver exceptional, intuitive, industry‑leading products.
• Think like an entrepreneur—balance technical possibilities, market impact, and business viability to drive category growth.

Skills

Engineering experience

Product development

Product management

Voice of Customer

Cross-functional leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

MBA

Job description

Level: Senior | Location: Orange, CA 92867 | Position Type: Full Time | Education Level: 4 Year Degree | Travel Percentage: Up to 25% | Job Category: Engineering Lead New Product Development from Concept to Launch

We’re looking for a hands‑on innovator — an entrepreneur with a deep, hands‑on electro‑mechanical engineering background that turns unmet customer needs into breakthrough products. Own your product line and build what doesn’t exist yet. Fieldpiece is a thriving team of innovators committed to pushing boundaries and celebrating curiosity. We’ve been providing HVACR professionals with rugged, feature‑rich tools like meters, manifolds, leak detectors, and more since 1990. Fieldpiece leads the industry in the way we think, work, collaborate, and remain laser‑focused on creating products that empower HVACR professionals – today and tomorrow. If you thrive in an environment where challenges are embraced, ambiguity fuels innovation, and relationships are built on trust and transparency—this is your opportunity.

Recognized as one of Southern California’s Best Places to Work (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026), we provide a Hire‑to‑Retire philosophy, hybrid schedule, 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. Based in Orange, CA today – we’re planning an exciting move to Tustin, CA in 2028.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end‑to‑end product innovation—from opportunity identification and concept creation to global market launch and lifecycle refreshes.
• Be the customer advocate—get out in the field, translate unmet needs into product requirements, and turn insights into high‑demand solutions.
• Drive technology strategy—identify, validate, and integrate the right technologies that deliver real, differentiated value.
• Prototype, test, iterate—own early concept validation and ensure every new product hits the mark before scaling.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D, design, marketing, and ODM partners to deliver exceptional, intuitive, industry‑leading products.
• Think like an entrepreneur—balance technical possibilities, market impact, and business viability to drive category growth.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field; MBA a plus.
• 10+ years in engineering, product development, or product management roles.
• Proven experience developing complete, tangible, complex products.
• Demonstrated success using Voice of Customer insights to create innovative, high‑value products.
• Strong technical fluency—able to engage engineers, suppliers, and customers with credibility.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and influencing at all levels.
• Willing to travel (up to 30%) for customer and ODM engagement.
• Experience in HVACR, tools, or instruments preferred.

Why Fieldpiece

Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore ideas, the resources to bring your ideas to life, and the satisfaction of seeing your products in the hands of professionals who rely on them every day. We believe great work deserves great rewards.

Benefits

• Matching 401k up to 4% with immediate vesting.
• Excellent medical benefits including an HSA plan and monthly contributions.
• Supplemental Term Life, Employee Assistance Programs (EAD), Disability, 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!

EOE AA M/F/Veteran/Disability

The California base annual salary range for this role is currently $150,000-250,000 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.