Senior R&D Engineer / Technical Lead

Job Title: R&D Engineer / Technical Lead

Job Description

We are seeking a Experienced R&D Engineer / Technical Lead to establish and lead a new R&D team focused on next-generation dispensing equipment and precision fluid delivery systems. This role combines deep hands-on engineering expertise with technical strategy and people leadership. You will drive early-stage research through production-ready designs while building a high-performing team from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Define technical vision, system architecture, and product roadmap for dispensing and automation platforms.
• Lead design and development of prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and production-ready systems.
• Drive innovation in precision motion control, fluid delivery, sensors, and system integration.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Recruit, onboard, and mentor R&D engineers.
• Establish engineering processes, documentation standards, and best practices.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide performance feedback, coaching, and career development.
• Explore emerging technologies in dispensing, automation, materials, and manufacturing.
• Translate customer and business needs into technical solutions.
• Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Own project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Manage technical risks and trade-offs.
• Present progress, technical direction, and recommendations to leadership.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience in dispensing equipment, fluid handling systems, or precision automation.
• Proven experience leading complex product development projects end-to-end.
• Strong system-level design and architecture skills.
• Hands-on experience with CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar), tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturing.
• Experience with motion control, pumps, valves, sensors, and closed-loop control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience building or scaling engineering teams.
• Industry Knowledge in semiconductor, electronics assembly, medical devices, or industrial automation.
• Knowledge of PLCs, embedded controllers, or industrial communication protocols.
• Track record of patents, publications, or commercialized products.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field.

Work Environment

This role operates within a dynamic R&D department, working Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. The dress code is business casual. The team currently consists of 3-5 engineers and is expected to grow to 8-10 by 2027.

This is a Permanent position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Compensation & Benefits • Competitive base salary, bonus, and equity. • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. • 401(k) with company match. • Hybrid work flexibility. • Professional development support.

This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.