Entry Level Field Service Engineer Jobs in California

About RheoSense, Inc.
RheoSense, Inc. (RheoSense) is a leading scientific instrumentation company specializing in high-precision microfluidic viscosity measurement technology. Our innovative VROC® platform is trusted by researchers, engineers, and scientists across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and advanced manufacturing.
We are committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and user-friendly measurement solutions that empower our customers to accelerate discovery, improve product performance, and drive scientific advancement.
At RheoSense, we foster a collaborative, fast-moving environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and customer focus guide everything we do. As we continue to grow, we're looking for talented individuals who are excited to contribute to cutting-edge technology and make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.
Position: Field Service Engineer (FSE)
Corporate Office: San Ramon, California
Relocation Assistance: No. This is an onsite position based at RheoSense's corporate headquarters in San Ramon, California. When not traveling to customer locations, the Field Service Engineer is expected to work from the corporate office and collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams.
Remote work is not available for this position at this time: Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the San Ramon office or be willing to relocate prior to their start date.
Closing: We are continuously accepting applications to build a pool of qualified candidates. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this announcement will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be considered for
immediate hiring needs as well as future opportunities.
Application Screening Process: Your application will not be considered if you fail to meet the minimum qualifications listed below or do not submit a detailed cover letter and resume as required for the application screening process. Candidates who are selected to move forward after the prescreening questionnaire will be required to complete a video introduction before advancing to the next stage of the hiring process.
Salary: $100,000-$115,000 annually. The starting salary for the selected candidate will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Starting salaries are typically positioned within the range and are not commonly offered at or near the maximum of the salary band.
Who You Are
You are a hands-on, customer-focused Field Service Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced scientific instrumentation environment. You enjoy diagnosing complex technical issues, solving challenging problems, and working directly with customers to ensure their success.
You approach every service engagement with an Efficient mindset, balancing urgency with thoughtful troubleshooting and effective execution. You are Error-Free in your work, demonstrating precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality when supporting sophisticated scientific instruments. Most importantly, you are End User Focused, building trust through clear communication, technical expertise, and a genuine desire to help customers achieve their goals.
You remain calm under pressure, take ownership of issues from identification through resolution, and are comfortable working independently in the field while collaborating closely with Engineering, Operations, and Commercial teams. Whether supporting a critical customer issue, performing preventative maintenance, or contributing feedback that improves products and processes, you consistently deliver professional, high-quality results that reflect RheoSense's commitment to excellence.
Job Responsibilities and Expectations
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

• Perform instrument installations, calibrations, preventive maintenance, repairs, and onsite or remote troubleshooting of RheoSense instrumentation.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently using a structured, root-cause approach while minimizing customer downtime.
• Deliver an exceptional customer experience through responsive communication, professionalism, and an end-user-focused service mindset.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and error-free service records, reports, calibration documentation, and technical notes.
• Follow established service procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols to ensure consistent and reliable service delivery.
• Coordinate spare parts, RMAs, service logistics, and follow-up activities to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Operations to support repairs, instrument preparation, shipping activities, and inventory requirements.
• Partner with Engineering to communicate field issues, product feedback, reliability trends, and opportunities for product improvement.
• Work closely with Applications Science and Sales teams to support customer evaluations, demonstrations, installations, training, and post-sale success.
• Provide field-driven recommendations that improve product performance, service processes, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships by serving as a trusted technical resource and representative of the company.
• Demonstrate an efficient and proactive approach to managing service activities, prioritizing customer needs, and resolving issues with minimal supervision.
• Uphold company policies, safety standards, and proper instrument-handling practices at all times.
• Contribute to team success by supporting cross-functional initiatives and performing additional duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of field service engineering experience supporting scientific, analytical, laboratory, or precision instrumentation.
• Demonstrated expertise troubleshooting electromechanical systems, sensors, software interfaces, and precision instruments.
• Proven ability to independently manage customer service issues from initial diagnosis through resolution with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with customers, colleagues, and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated success in customer-facing technical support and service environments.
• Ability to travel domestically and occasionally internationally as required.
• Ability to work onsite from the company's corporate headquarters in San Ramon, California, when not traveling to customer locations. Remote work is not available for this position.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer locations using personal or rental vehicles as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of field service engineering experience supporting scientific, analytical, laboratory, or precision instrumentation.
• Experience with viscometers, rheometers, fluid characterization instruments, or related laboratory equipment.
• Experience serving as a technical resource, mentor, or trainer for field service teams.
• Background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Experience working in a small-company environment where flexibility, initiative, and hands-on involvement are essential.
• Familiarity with CRM, ERP, and service management systems.

Physical Requirements
These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these on an as-needed basis.

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer, conducting remote diagnostics, preparing reports, or participating in meetings and training sessions.
• Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, handheld diagnostic tools, and standard office and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to move throughout office, laboratory, manufacturing, warehouse, and customer-site environments.
• Ability to frequently position, transport, install, inspect, and service scientific instrumentation and related equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or move equipment, tools, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and work in confined spaces or around laboratory equipment as required to perform service and installation activities.
• Ability to travel domestically and occasionally internationally, including travel by automobile and commercial aircraft.
• Ability to safely perform onsite service, installation, training, and troubleshooting activities at customer facilities, laboratories, manufacturing sites, and other business locations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, video conference, and email with customers, colleagues, and business partners.

What We Offer
At RheoSense, you can build an excellent job that grows into a meaningful and rewarding career. Our comprehensive benefits and workplace culture include:

• Financial stability through competitive compensation, performance incentives, and retirement plans
• Training and professional development to support long-term career growth
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and wellness programs
• Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave for both maternity and paternity
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match of up to 4%
• Employee stock ownership (ISO) opportunities
• A collaborative, creative, inclusive, and engaging team environment

RheoSense is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.