Director of Research Development

Job Description: Director of Research and Development (Individual Contributor)
TubeWriter – Danvers, MA
Company Overview
TubeWriter is a fast-growing leader in direct labware labeling solutions. Our instruments (TubeWriter 300/400 series) use advanced mechatronics, robotics, inkjet printing, and software integration to eliminate sticky labels in life science, biobanking, clinical, and pharma labs.
This role is hands-on and individual-contributor focused—you will be the primary technical owner of R&D. There is no large engineering team yet, so we need a builder, not a manager.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Mechatronics Engineer with deep expertise in robotics, motion control, software development, and inkjet/printing systems to lead all R&D activities. You will design, prototype, improve, and sustain our core instruments and future automation products. This is a high-impact, individual-contributor role reporting directly to the CEO, with the opportunity to shape the technical roadmap as the company scales from "crawl" (stabilize current products) to "walk/run" (new platforms and features).
Key Responsibilities:
Immediate Focus:
Own and stabilize the existing TubeWriter 300/400 platforms: troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software issues; implement basic documentation, version control, and testing protocols.
Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for field-reported reliability issues to protect service revenue and customer satisfaction.
Establish core R&D processes: bill of materials (BOM) management, change control, basic design reviews, and prototyping workflows.
Support manufacturing and quality with engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and supplier specifications.
Collaborate with sales on technical demos, custom configurations, and LIMS integration support.
Mid and Long Term objectives
Design and prototype enhancements to current systems (e.g., improved motion control, higher throughput, broader labware compatibility, better ink curing/durability).
Develop and maintain embedded software, control algorithms, user interfaces, and integration APIs (Python, C/C++, or similar).
Drive continuous improvement in print quality, speed, reliability, and chemical/solvent resistance.
Create and maintain technical documentation, test plans, and validation protocols (foundational for regulatory/compliance needs in life sciences).
Evaluate and integrate new components (motors, sensors, inkjet heads, vision systems).
Architect next-generation platforms or modular add-ons (e.g., full robotic integration, AI-driven label optimization, expanded automation).
Build a small engineering bench as revenue grows—mentor future hires.
Contribute to IP (patents) and competitive analysis.
Partner with sales and customers on custom engineering projects that drive instrument and recurring revenue.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education: BS or MS in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent.
Experience: 5+ years in mechatronics/robotics product development, preferably in laboratory automation, medical devices, printing systems, or precision motion control.
Must-Have Technical Skills:
Strong mechatronics: motors, drives, sensors, pneumatics, kinematics.
Robotics & motion control (e.g., stepper/servo systems, kinematics, PID tuning).
Software development: embedded C/C++, Python, real-time control, GUI/HMI.
Inkjet or fluid dispensing systems (highly preferred).
CAD (SolidWorks or similar), electrical schematics, and basic PCB familiarity.
Prototyping and hands-on build/debug skills.
Proven ability to work independently as an individual contributor in a small-company environment.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
Experience in regulated industries (ISO 13485, FDA, or lab automation) is a plus.
Must be based in or willing to relocate to Danvers, MA area.
What Success Looks Like
Current product reliability improves → reduced service costs and higher customer retention.
New features/enhancements launched that differentiate us and support revenue growth.
Foundational engineering processes in place so we can scale without chaos.
You become the go-to technical leader and innovator for the company.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary + performance bonus tied to product milestones and company revenue/EBITDA targets. Equity opportunity. Standard benefits package (health, 401k, PTO). Relocation assistance available if needed.

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