R&D Engineering Technician

Mermaid Medical Group; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays and PTO

Health and dental insurance + health/f

Retirement plan with company match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Mermaid Medical Group is seeking a hands-on technician to support our R&D team in Florida. You will build prototypes, test, and maintain lab operations, collaborating with engineers from conceptualization to productization, including Class II/III implants.

The role requires careful bench work, precise measurements, and strong documentation practices. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of hands-on technical experience or an equivalent combination, familiarity with ISO/FDA quality practices, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 7+ years of hands-on technical experience, or an associate degree/technical certificate with 5+ years.
• Proven experience with precise, detail-oriented work on small parts, including use of stereo microscopes.
• Experience following written procedures and recording data accurately in a quality-controlled or regulated environment (medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace, ISO-certified manufacturing).
• Comfort with common measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, etc.).
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to prioritize and manage requests from several engineers across multiple programs, and to communicate status clearly.
• Self-motivated, with the judgment to work independently once given direction and to recognize when to raise questions or concerns.

Responsibilities

• Prototype Building and Assembly: Build prototype devices from drawings, including delicate components under magnification.
• Testing and Data Collection: Prepare test samples and record data; summarize in spreadsheets.
• Fixtures, Tooling, and Methods: Design, build, and refine fixtures and tools; advise on manufacturability.
• Lab Operations and Support: Maintain a clean, safe lab; manage prototype materials and inventory.
• Cross-functional Support: Assist R&D, Production, and Operations as needed.

Skills

7+ years experience hands-on

Microscope operation

Attention to detail

Regulatory documentation

MS Office proficiency

Independent problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certificate

Tools

Stereo microscope

Calipers

Micrometers

Instron / force testers

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

Join our R&D team in Florida and help build what comes next!

Mermaid Medical is growing and our R&D team is expanding to support several new and ongoing medical device development programs. We are looking for a creative, self-motivated, hands‑on technician to support our engineering team with prototype builds, testing, and lab operations.

In this unique position, you will work closely with a small team of R&D engineers on a variety of development programs, from product conceptualization to commercialization, including Class II and III long‑term implant devices. Engineers will direct your work, and you will carry out tasks independently, bring forward observations and ideas, and help find practical solutions at the bench. This role suits someone who takes pride in careful, precise work, enjoys variety, and wants to see how medical devices go from concept to product.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Prototype Building and Assembly

• Build prototype and development devices from engineering drawings, sketches, and verbal or written instructions, often working with small, delicate components under magnification.
• Support development of advanced manufacturing processes (e.g. laser cutting/welding, annealing, automated/PLC controlled systems, CNC machining, thermal bonding, and winding).

Testing and Data Collection

• Prepare test samples and support development and execution of advanced testing methods (e.g., dimensional inspection, material strength, fatigue, and corrosion).
• Record test data accurately and completely, and report unexpected results, anomalies, or equipment issues promptly – organize and summarize test data in spreadsheets for review.

Fixtures, Tooling, and Methods

• Design, build, and refine fixtures, jigs, and tools that improve assembly and testing repeatability, using CAD, machining, and 3D printing where appropriate.
• Give feedback and suggestions to engineers on manufacturability, assembly difficulty, and process consistency based on hands‑on experience with assembly and test methods.

Lab Operations and Support

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe lab and prototype area.
• Manage prototype materials, components, and lab supply inventory, including ordering and receiving – label, store, and track prototypes and test samples.
• Support R&D, Production, and Operations cross‑functional activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 7+ years of hands‑on technical experience, or an associate degree or technical certificate in a relevant field plus 5+ years of experience.
• Proven experience with precise, detail‑oriented work on small parts, including use of stereo microscopes or other magnification.
• Experience following written procedures and recording work and data accurately in a quality‑controlled or regulated environment (for example medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace, laboratory, or ISO‑certified manufacturing).
• Comfort with common measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, etc.).
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to prioritize and manage requests from several engineers across multiple programs, and to communicate status clearly.
• Self‑motivated, with the judgment to work independently once given direction and to recognize when to raise questions or concerns.

Preferred

• Experience in medical device manufacturing and/or product development, especially with long‑term implants.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, FDA Quality System Regulation/QMSR, or Good Documentation Practices.
• Experience with mechanical test equipment (e.g., Instron, or similar force testers).
• Experience designing or building fixtures, with basic CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks) and 3D printing.
• Experience with catheter, tubing, or other small medical component assembly processes.
• Experience drafting or redlining work instructions or test methods.
• Laboratory experience, including sample preparation and experimental record‑keeping.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

Ability to work for extended periods of fine‑motor bench/lab work, including microscope use.

Occasional lifting to 35 pounds; adequate near‑vision acuity for detailed inspection of small components.

Work in a lab, prototype, and cleanroom environments, including handling adhesives, solvents and other chemicals, with required PPE; stand/walk 4-6 hours daily.

May require occasional overtime to support R&D needs or project milestones.

What We Offer:

Paid holidays and paid time off

Employee health and dental insurance + reimbursement towards health/fitness membership

Retirement plan with company match

Tuition assistance

About Mermaid Medical Group:

Mermaid Medical Group is a privately owned company established in 2007. With our Nordic roots and headquarters in Denmark, we value cooperation, helpfulness, and openness. We develop, manufacture, and distribute medical devices to hospitals and end‑users across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. We primarily work within solutions to diseases in the vascular system as well as other devices used in interventional radiology. We strive to be the preferred partner for manufacturers, hospitals, and health care professionals so that together we can help even more patients.

Being One of Us:

We believe that as people and as a company, We Are One. We have a culture of sticking together and doing what is best for each other and the company. We are proud of our life‑saving products, and we trust that every one of our colleagues does their best to ensure happiness and quality of life for the patients who benefit from our products and each other.