Field Deployment Engineer (Entry Level) at Focal

Role Overview

Focal builds intelligent robotic radiant heating systems for outdoor restaurants. Our products combine precision mechanics, electronics, and sensing to deliver targeted warmth using far less energy than traditional heaters.

We’re hiring a Field Deployment Technician to execute installations and perform on-site service for our robotic heating systems.

This is a hands-on role focused on installation quality, system setup, and reliable field servicing. You’ll work closely with our engineering and operations teams to ensure deployments are clean, consistent, and on time.

You are the last step between our product and real-world performance. Installation quality matters.

What You’ll Do

🔧 Installation & Commissioning

• Prepare and maintain deployment equipment and materials

• Perform on-site installation of electromechanical heating systems

  • Most installations follow structured checklists and documented procedures.

• Read and interpret install documentation

• Perform system commissioning, including:

  • Computer-based system registration

  • Mechanical integrity checks

  • Electrical verification

  • Networking equipment setup and connectivity validation

  • Functional testing and calibration

• Ensure installations meet internal quality and safety standards

🛠 Troubleshooting & Field Engineering

• Perform basic troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and networking components.

• Replace units, perform repairs, and validate issues and fixes.

• Execute scheduled maintenance visits.

• Document site conditions and service outcomes.

📊 Light Operational Support

• Flag recurring issues to engineering via forms or service logs

• Maintain clean service logs

• Suggest small improvements to install checklists

• Coordinate install timing with site managers

You Might Be a Fit If You

• Have technical training in mechanical, electrical, robotics, or a related field or equivalent hands-on experience installing or servicing connected hardware systems

• Have 1–3 years of experience in hardware installation, field service, IoT devices, or similar hands-on technical work

• Are comfortable using hand tools, power tools, laptops, and basic diagnostic software

• Can follow detailed installation checklists and documentation with high attention to quality

• Approach troubleshooting logically and know when to escalate more complex issues

• Take pride in clean, organized work and professional job sites

• Communicate clearly and confidently with customers and site staff

• Take ownership of your installs and service visits: you don’t leave a site until it’s done right

Physical & Field Requirements

• Ability to stand and move for extended periods during installation and service visits

• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials up to 50 lbs

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, light rain)

• Ability to use ladders and work at moderate heights when required

• Comfortable working in active restaurant or hospitality environments

• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and perform hands-on mechanical work

Bonus Experience

• Startup hardware experience

• Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or related field

• Field deployments of physical infrastructure (energy, robotics, IoT, HVAC, etc.)

• Networking knowledge (WiFi troubleshooting, routers, signal strength analysis)

• Experience with reliability testing or environmental validation

• Restaurant or hospitality installation experience

Growth Path

This role has a clear path toward increased responsibility in field operations, advanced troubleshooting, and deployment leadership as the company scales.

Details

• $75,000-$90,000/yr

• On-site in San Francisco (SOMA), street parking only but 2 blocks from BART

• Daily lunch provided

• In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for company-sponsored benefits and other benefits made available to Focal team members.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.