At a Glance
- Tasks: Assemble and support electronic prototypes while collaborating with research teams.
- Company: Join Sonos, a leader in innovative audio technology.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working days, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: On-site role in London with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Get practical experience in cutting-edge tech and contribute to exciting research projects.
- Qualifications: Organised, reliable, and confident in working with experimental hardware.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sonos is looking for a hands-on R&D Prototyping Technician. 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.
R&D Prototyping Technician (Contract), Advanced Experiences employer: Sonos, Inc.
At Sonos, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. As an R&D Prototyping Technician in our London office, you'll benefit from competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of audio technology. Our commitment to employee growth and development ensures that you will have the resources and support needed to advance your career while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Prototyping Technician (Contract), Advanced Experiences
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on! Since this role is all about working with experimental hardware, make sure to showcase any practical experience you have. Whether it's tinkering with electronics or building prototypes, let us know how you've been hands-on in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry, especially those who work at Sonos or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common technical questions related to prototyping and hardware. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms. The more comfortable you are discussing your skills, the better you'll shine during the real deal!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, don’t hesitate – hit that apply button and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Prototyping Technician (Contract), Advanced Experiences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:Make sure to highlight any practical experience you have with electronic hardware or prototyping. We want to see how you've tackled similar tasks in the past, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Organised and Clear:When documenting your experiences, keep it neat and straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points or headings to make your application easy to read. This will show us that you can communicate effectively, just like we need in the role.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sonos, Inc.
✨Know Your Hardware
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electronic hardware and prototyping techniques. Familiarise yourself with the types of prototypes you might be working on, and be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have with assembling or modifying hardware.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since troubleshooting is a big part of this role, prepare to share examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. Think about specific instances where you debugged an issue or iterated on a design, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Tasks
This role is all about practical work, so expect some hands-on tasks during the interview. Practice basic assembly or 3D printing techniques beforehand, and be prepared to demonstrate your skills or discuss your approach to these tasks.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when documenting procedures and sharing updates with your team. During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've communicated complex information in the past.