What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research And Development Technician position at Suru?
Job Description
This role supports next-generation catheter and disposable medical device development by performing hands-on fabrication, assembly, and testing of complex plastic-based devices in an R&D environment. The R&D Technician will work closely with engineers to prototype devices, troubleshoot fabrication challenges, and refine assembly processes that will ultimately be transferred to contract manufacturing partners.
This position is fully on-site and best suited for an experienced R&D technician with strong plastics fabrication experience, including work on Class II and Class III disposable medical devices. The ideal candidate is comfortable solving problems independently at the bench and contributing directly to early-stage development and prototyping efforts.
Day-to-Day
- Perform hands-on device fabrication and assembly using microscope-based techniques and precision hand tools
- Build and prototype catheter and plastic disposable device assemblies for lab, verification, and preclinical evaluation
- Apply fabrication techniques including melt bonding, thermal bonding, tipping, plastic-to-plastic bonding, and integration of elastomeric and rigid polymer components
- Support process development by refining assembly steps, tooling, and work instructions in collaboration with engineering
- Operate semi-automated and process-driven equipment such as thermal bonders, ovens, and plasma discharge systems
- Execute mechanical and electrical testing including Instron testing, continuity testing, dielectric testing, and testing on customer fixtures
- Collect and document test data and provide feedback to engineering on performance, tolerances, and manufacturability
- Contribute to manufacturing instructions and process documentation (without owning full protocol authorship)
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to support development milestones
Requirements / Qualifications
- Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent hands-on technical experience
- Prior experience as an R&D technician, catheter technician, or medical device technician within the medical device industry
- Hands-on experience fabricating plastic-based disposable Class II and/or Class III medical devices
- Strong background in manual device assembly, plastic bonding, and precision fabrication techniques
- Experience working with tight tolerances and complex small-device assemblies
- Comfort working in low-automation environments with a focus on manual assembly and problem-solving
- Familiarity with mechanical and electrical testing equipment (e.g., Instron systems, multimeters, test stations)
- Ability to read and follow SOPs and manufacturing procedures and contribute to process documentation
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation
Nice-to-Have
- Catheter-specific fabrication experience
- Experience with elastomers, thermoplastics, and polymer joining methods
- Machining experience with lathes, mills, or grinders (not required)