[jimmux]

My previous job included this kind of work (along with coding up dirty prototypes and a bit of asset management). My job title eventually settled on "Research Engineer". The original job description was very broad, so I would suggest applying for any job postings by academic institutions that seem related.

Academia is being pushed more and more toward industry collaboration, so if you can get the exposure and connections it shouldn't be too hard to find the opportunities from the inside.

You really have to enjoy this kind of work and some of the frustrations that come with it. I did, but ultimately had to leave when funding for my group ran out. If life circumstances allowed me to work for less I might have stayed with them.