Contract R&D Prototype Engineer

About the role

Primary Talent Partners has a new contract opening for a Contract R&D Prototype Engineer with a multinational science and technology company in Marlborough, MA. This is a 12-month contract with a potential for extension. The role is 1st shift Monday‑Friday, 100% onsite in Marlborough, MA. Who We Are Looking For A hands-on, analytical engineer with strong mechanical and prototyping skills to help turn an early-stage concept into a functional and testable prototype. This role will work closely with R&D engineers to develop concepts, fabricate and integrate hardware and electrical components, execute structured experiments, troubleshoot issues, and document learning. The successful candidate is comfortable making progress with limited day-to-day direction while working within approved engineering and laboratory controls.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D engineers to translate prototype requirements, sketches, and concepts into practical mixer system designs and build plans.
• Design, assemble, modify, and debug prototype mixer hardware, support frames, fluid paths, and test fixtures.
• Integrate pumps, motors, agitators, tubing, valves, connectors, sensors, instrumentation, and basic controls into a working prototype system.
• Procure and organize prototype components and fabricated parts.
• Execute controlled experiments to characterize product performance.
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, and process issues.
• Prepare prototype equipment for design reviews, internal demonstrations, and future evaluation activities.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Prototype fabrication or bioprocess mixing experience using pumps, mixers, valves, sensors, filters, tubing, and single-use bioprocess equipment.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience designing, building, testing, or troubleshooting prototype equipment, laboratory systems, industrial machinery, or automation hardware.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and demonstrated ability to use common hand tools, measurement tools, and fabrication equipment safely.
• Ability to work independently, manage changing priorities, and collaborate effectively in a cross-functional R&D environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Instrumentation and data acquisition for pH, conductivity, temperature, pressure, flow, weight, speed, or similar measurements.
• Basic electrical assembly, motor controls, PLC integration, automation, or programming.
• Bioprocess experience with media preparation, powder handling, contamination control, or work in a regulated development environment.

Benefits

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