Research and Development Engineering Associate (Co-op 8+ Months Preferred)

Company Description:

FluidAI is specialized in the development and deployment of data-driven surgical solutions, with an initial focus on general and gastrointestinal surgery. Our technologies integrate medical devices, software, and artificial intelligence into platforms that address real clinical and operational challenges across the continuum of surgical care.

We combine continuous physiological monitoring from our proprietary sensors with comprehensive electronic health record data, creating Intelligent systems that enable earlier identification of clinical deterioration and complications. Beyond patient monitoring, our platform extends to patient education and engagement tools, as well as automated documentation and coding modules - supporting care teams and driving operational efficiency.

Our teams brings together expertise across clinical practice, research, engineering, data science, manufacturing, and commercialization. We build solutions designed for real-world Impact, supported by full in-house capabilities, a strong intellectual property portfolio, and partnerships with leading institutions around the world.

Why join FluidAI?

• Mission to save lives and improve patient care with technology that’s already deployed on patients in real-world settings.
• We are a team of passionate builders and boundary-breakers that are on a singular mission to disrupt how patient care is done. We aim to succeed and perform together - as a team and as individuals.
• Gain exposure across the entire technical stack, from novel sensing technologies and proprietary hardware to mobile/web software and ML (Machine Learning) algorithms.
• Personal career-focused development and training with access to workshops, coursework, and experienced mentors/consultants.

Job Summary:

The candidate would join the R&D Engineering team to support the research, development and manufacturing of our proprietary sensor modules and upstream sensor technologies. The candidate will primarily work with the team to design, execute and improve existing sensor-related processes and research projects. They would provide assistance to our clinical, quality, manufacturing and data analysis teams as needed. They would also work to design, bring-up, and test hardware for commercial medical devices and research studies.

Note: This is an office-first role working out of our Kitchener HQ in the Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX)

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, improve and test sensor-related processes in current and future product iterations.
• Plan and execute experimental procedures for various research projects.
• Analysis, thorough documentation, and presentation of R&D data to various internal and external stakeholders.
• Troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of sensor-related issues, often with limited data and context.
• Write, update, and execute verification and validation tests in collaboration with the Quality team, maintaining quality management best practices throughout.
• Propose sensor technologies to future product requirements, assess feasibility, and plan for integration into product pipeline.
• Plan and conduct prototype builds, functional testing, and verification activities across various hardware and sensor development efforts.
• Assist our internal R&D and manufacturing teams wherever needed.

Qualifications:

These are some of the skills we are looking for in an ideal candidate. If you check some but not all of these boxes, please apply anyway!

• Curious by nature - unafraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and dive deep until you truly understand how things work.
• Self-directed and organized, with the ability to manage your own tasks, deadlines, and priorities (e.g. Jira).
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and environments.
• Ability to switch between "hack-y prototyping" and "scientifically rigorous" mindsets depending on project stage and requirements.
• Attention to detail, with an appreciation for the subtleties of sensor behavior and experimental approaches.
• Proficiency in organizing, documenting, and presenting technical information.
• Research experience including design of experiments, report generation, technical presentation, critical thinking.
• Biosensor-specific research experience.
• Experience with scripting and signal processing in Python.
• Experience with mechanical design of fixtures and jigs using industry-standard tools (e.g. Fusion 360, SolidWorks).
• Experience with electronic system operation, troubleshooting, and development (e.g. Arduino).
• Familiarity with embedded systems design and testing methodologies.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 and similar standards for Quality Management Systems.

Transparency & Hiring Practices:

• Compensation: The pay for this position will be based on average co-op wages as outlined by your academic institution’s co-op program or similar institutions if specific data is unavailable, ensuring fair and competitive compensation aligned with industry and academic standards. The typical range for this role is $22 - $25 per hour for work terms 2-4.
• Eligibility Requirements: This position is made possible through wage subsidy grants such as BioTalent SWPP. As such, participants must be a current student registered in a Canadian Post-secondary program. International students are not eligible. Eligible participants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada and be legally entitled to work.
• Co-op Requirement: As this is a co-op position, candidates must have a co-op work term scheduled with their institute for the term they are applying for.
• Application Screening: All applications are screened manually. We do not use AI or AI-Augmented Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen, assess, reject, or select candidates.
• Position Status: This fall term position will become available in Winter 2026.