R&D Systems Engineer: Automation & Onsite Lab Ops

SGS Consulting; Elm (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS Consulting seeks a hands-on Operations Support professional to help run on-site capture environments, troubleshoot hardware and software across Linux, Windows, and MacOS, and coordinate with researchers and engineers to keep sessions running smoothly.

You will develop lightweight automation, assist with VR/camera/AV setups, and ensure data handling and privacy protocols are followed. Experience with MAANG-style teams is a plus.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in hardware troubleshooting (cameras, networking, PDUs), data collection operations, software scripting, and on-site lab support for complex R&D capture systems.

Responsibilities

• Support capture operations via hardware and software troubleshooting, root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, and engineering improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across Linux, Windows, and macOS systems using terminal/CLI tools and standard diagnostics.
• Perform basic network debugging and issue triage (connectivity, DNS, DHCP, routing basics) and support common network protocols.
• Develop and maintain lightweight automation/scripts in bash and/or Python to improve reliability and operational efficiency.
• Support and maintain systems used in onsite user study environments, coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure readiness for sessions.
• Follow established data handling, participant privacy, and operational protocols for user study environments.
• Document procedures, common issues, and fixes to support repeatable operations and knowledge sharing. Update SOPs as issues are resolved or processes change.
• Provide operational support for camera/optical systems, lighting, audio systems, and/or AV equipment (e.g., RME, Blackmagic, AVB), and assist in capture-stage or VR hardware environments as needed.
• Support multiple concurrent data collection projects spanning different disciplines (electrical, software, hardware), prioritizing and context-switching as needed.
• Coordinate with cross-functional partners — including researchers, engineers, and non-technical stakeholders — to keep operations running smoothly.

Skills

Linux troubleshooting

Windows troubleshooting

MacOS troubleshooting

Bash scripting

Python scripting

Network debugging

Documentation

Communication

MAANG experience

AV equipment familiarity

Capture stage/VR hardware

Education

2+ years hardware troubleshooting & on-site lab support

Tools

RME

Blackmagic

AVB

Job description

SGS Consulting seeks a hands-on Operations Support professional to help run on-site capture environments, troubleshoot hardware and software across Linux, Windows, and MacOS, and coordinate with researchers and engineers to keep sessions running smoothly.

You will develop lightweight automation, assist with VR/camera/AV setups, and ensure data handling and privacy protocols are followed. Experience with MAANG-style teams is a plus.