Sonos is looking for a hands-on R&D Prototyping Technician to support the Advanced Experiences team in London during a key period of experimental work, hardware prototyping, and data collection.
This role is ideal for someone who is technically capable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with physical prototypes, lab setups, and structured research protocols. You do not need to be a specialist in sensing or signal processing; success in this role will come from being practical, reliable, organized, and confident working with experimental hardware under the guidance of research leads.
The contractor will help ensure continuity across hardware builds, prototype iteration, user data collection, and documentation. This is a primarily on-site role in the Sonos London office near London Bridge due to the hands-on nature of the work.
Term: 6 months, May/June to Oct/Nov 2026, with possibility of extension
Engagement: 3–4 days per week, in person with some flexibility
Compensation: Competitive day rate, based on experience and scope
Responsibilities
- Assemble, modify, and support electronic hardware prototypes based on provided designs, instructions, and research team guidance.
- Support basic hardware bring-up, debugging, and troubleshooting for experimental prototypes.
- Carry out 3D printing, post-processing, and minor mechanical iteration to support prototype development.
- Assist with light CAD or mechanical modeling tasks when needed.
- Set up, maintain, and prepare experimental hardware for sensing studies and research sessions.
- Run user data collection sessions by following established protocols and ensuring consistent, accurate execution.
- Support research studies involving optical sensing and EEG, following defined procedures. Prior experience with these specific domains is not required.
- Document build procedures, experimental setups, session notes, observations, and handoff materials clearly and consistently.
- Communicate progress, blockers, issues, and technical observations to research leads and team members.
- Provide practical, hands-on support to the broader R&D team within the agreed scope of work.
Qualifications
- Experience assembling and working with physical prototypes.
- Familiarity with fabrication workflows, hardware assembly, bring-up, and iteration.
- Experience with microcontrollers and Python scripting is preferred.
- Comfort working in lab or experimental environments with disciplined setup, execution, and documentation practices.
- Ability to follow written and verbal technical instructions accurately.
- Strong attention to detail, especially when handling hardware, research protocols, and human-subject data collection.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to share progress, issues, and observations with a multidisciplinary team.
- Comfortable working primarily on site in London for hands-on hardware and experimental research activities.
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