At a Glance
- Tasks: Support R&D by assembling and modifying electronic prototypes and conducting user data collection.
- Company: Join Sonos, a leader in audio innovation, in a collaborative London team.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working days, and hands-on experience in cutting-edge research.
- Other info: On-site role with excellent opportunities for learning and growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Dive into experimental hardware and make a real impact on innovative audio experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience with physical prototypes and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sonos is looking for a hands-on R&D Prototyping Technician to support the Advanced Experiences team in London during a key period of experimental work, hardware prototyping, and data collection. This role is ideal for someone who is technically capable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with physical prototypes, lab setups, and structured research protocols. You do not need to be a specialist in sensing or signal processing; 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 within the agreed scope of work.
Qualifications:
- Experience assembling and working with physical prototypes.
- Familiarity with fabrication workflows, hardware assembly, bring-up, and iteration.
- Experience with microcontrollers and Python scripting is preferred.
- Comfort working in lab or experimental environments with disciplined setup, execution, and documentation practices.
- Ability to follow written and verbal technical instructions accurately.
- Strong attention to detail, especially when handling hardware, research protocols, and human-subject data collection.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to share progress, issues, and observations with a multidisciplinary team.
- Comfortable working primarily on site in London for hands-on hardware and experimental research activities.
R&D Prototyping Technician (Contract), Advanced Experiences in Slough employer: Sonos, Inc.
Sonos is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation thrives. As an R&D Prototyping Technician, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values hands-on experience and encourages personal growth through engaging projects. With competitive compensation and a culture that fosters creativity and technical excellence, Sonos provides a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Prototyping Technician (Contract), Advanced Experiences in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! Since this role is all about working with physical prototypes, make sure you’re comfortable in a lab environment. If you can, try to get some experience with hardware assembly or prototyping before your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! This job requires clear communication with the team, so practice explaining your past projects and how you tackled challenges. We want to see that you can share progress and issues effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your attention to detail. During interviews, be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work, especially when it comes to following protocols and documenting processes. It’s all about being reliable!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Sonos. Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the R&D Prototyping Technician role.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Prototyping Technician (Contract), Advanced Experiences in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Technical Skills:Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have with assembling and working on physical prototypes. We want to see your practical side, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples of your past projects!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role requires a strong attention to detail, emphasise your ability to follow instructions accurately. Mention any experiences where your meticulous nature made a difference in your work or helped avoid issues.
Communicate Clearly:We value clear communication, so make sure your application reflects that. Whether it’s about your progress on a project or any challenges you faced, show us how you keep everyone in the loop and collaborate effectively.
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 get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sonos, Inc.
✨Know Your Prototypes
Before the interview, brush up on your experience with assembling and modifying physical prototypes. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve worked with hardware, detailing the processes you followed and any challenges you overcame.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Make sure you’re comfortable with the tools and technologies mentioned in the job description, like 3D printing and CAD software. If you have experience with microcontrollers or Python scripting, prepare examples of how you've used these skills in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires a strong focus on detail, think of instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your work. Be prepared to share how you ensure accuracy in documentation and execution of research protocols.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in a multidisciplinary team. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you keep team members updated on progress and issues during projects.
