Full-Time

Entry Level Field Deployment Engineer

Updated on 8/1/2026

Focal

Focal

11-50 employees

All-electric outdoor heating with guest controls

Compensation Overview

$75k - $90k/yr

San Francisco, CA, USA

In Person

Category
Hardware Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Computer Networking
Robotics

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Requirements
  • 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, Internet of Things devices, or similar hands-on technical work.
  • Be comfortable using hand tools, power tools, laptops, and basic diagnostic software.
  • Be able to follow detailed installation checklists and documentation with high attention to quality.
  • Approach troubleshooting logically and know when to escalate more complex issues.
  • Communicate clearly and confidently with customers and site staff.
  • Be able to stand and move for extended periods during installation and service visits.
  • Be able to lift and carry equipment and materials up to 50 pounds.
  • Be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and light rain.
  • Be able to use ladders and work at moderate heights when required.
  • Be comfortable working in active restaurant or hospitality environments.
  • Be able to bend, kneel, crouch, and perform hands-on mechanical work.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare and maintain deployment equipment and materials.
  • Perform on-site installation of electromechanical heating systems using structured checklists and documented procedures.
  • Read and interpret installation 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.
  • 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.
  • Flag recurring issues to engineering via forms or service logs.
  • Maintain clean service logs.
  • Suggest small improvements to installation checklists.
  • Coordinate installation timing with site managers.
Desired Qualifications
  • Startup hardware experience.
  • A degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field.
  • Field deployments of physical infrastructure, including energy, robotics, Internet of Things, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
  • Networking knowledge, including Wi-Fi troubleshooting, routers, and signal strength analysis.
  • Experience with reliability testing or environmental validation.
  • Restaurant or hospitality installation experience.

Focal makes smart, all-electric outdoor heaters for restaurants and hospitality that plug into standard 120V outlets, avoiding gas lines, permits, or hardwiring. Guests can adjust their own heat while a single dashboard lets operators manage settings, schedules, and energy use across the system. The heaters are plug-and-play, space-efficient with a low-profile design to maximize patio space and aesthetics. The goal is to help hospitality businesses extend outdoor dining, cut energy and installation costs, and increase patio capacity.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2021

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Up to 80% energy savings and 75% lower installation costs improve ROI.[1][5]
  • More than 30,000 live restaurant hours validate product maturity and reliability.[5]
  • The system can increase patio seating capacity by up to 25%.[5]

What critics are saying

  • Incumbent propane and electric patio-heater brands can defend channels and replacements.
  • Restaurant capex freezes slow purchases despite Focal's hardware and software model.
  • Sensor-driven electric heaters face safety scrutiny from regulators, insurers, and operators.

What makes Focal unique

  • 120V plug-and-play rails avoid permits, gas lines, and hardwiring.[2][5]
  • AI occupancy sensing heats occupied seats and powers down empty ones.[2][5]
  • Guest QR thermostats and operator dashboards create personalized, centralized control.[2][5]

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Benefits

Meal Benefits

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

5%

2 year growth

20%