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.