Carrier Shift

Have a chat with the Human Resources function at the current employer's premises?

Exactly

If you want to get into R&D, you need to be very good at what you do. You also need to be exemplary at working with difficult people. Being easy going and able to take instruction and advice without wanting to fight about it is key because no scientist/engineer, indeed no one at all wants to work with a tech. who is always questioning and challenging them.

Other times, the person directing you may not know how to do something and may ask your opinion or advice on how to do something. When asked, give your advice freely. Do not act insulted when the powers that be decide to pursue some rabbit brained scheme that you know full well will not work. Just smile and drive. Every once in a while you will see that they DO know what they are talking about!

Drawings beyond sketches may not exist for some of the work you do. If you can't figure out how to hook things up from the equipment manuals, data sheets and other manufacturer's data, you will likely be seen as someone who is more trouble than they are worth.

You need to be someone who can build up a system and then a few hours to weeks later tear it down and start on something else. I know some people cannot accept this as when they build something, they expect it to stay built. R&D is not for those people!

A lot of strange things happen in R&D situations. When there are problems, be prepared to re-check your work and to have others check it also. If you are seen as a person who is incapable of admitting to having made a mistake, you probably won't last long if you do get in. It is far better to be known as a person who doesn't make mistakes than one who tries to hide their errors.

If your team leader or some other person makes a mistake, don't tell everyone in the room. Just tell the person who made it and the person who sent you looking for it.

I worked in a R&D department for a while. It was very interesting work. I got to work and play with things the run of the mill guy never sees.

Last but not least: It is far better to be thought of as indispensable than as a security risk. If you can't keep your mouth shut about what you do at work, even while you are at work, forget about it!

Good luck!
TT3