R Cubed Engineering first new division, at 1178 Hammond St. in Bangor, expands its capabilities in light manufacturing, rapid prototyping and federal contract support.
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R Cubed Engineering LLC, a Palmetto, Fla.-based engineering firm, is opening an “innovation division” at 1178 Hammond St. in Bangor.
The facility will be the company’s first new division and an expansion of its capabilities in light manufacturing, rapid prototyping and federal contract support.
“This expansion reflects our continued commitment to delivering miniaturized, high-impact engineering solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and safety,” said RaNae Contarino, R Cubed Engineering’s CEO. “Bangor offers the infrastructure, talent potential and strategic access necessary to support our federal customers while contributing to the region’s advanced prototype manufacturing and high-tech economy.”
Miniaturization
R Cubed provides technical expertise and program leadership to government and commercial clients in emerging technologies, including sensors and avionics. Much of the work focuses on miniaturizing existing systems.
The firm’s role early in the innovation pipeline includes testing, system integration, certification, schedules and program management.
The U.S. Small Business Administration-certified woman-owned small business has been working in advanced avionics and unmanned aircraft systems technology since its founding in 2004. The company has 12 employees and routinely contracts an additional 12 consultants as subject matter experts.
The company specializes in “identification friend or foe,” or IFF, a technology that validates where encrypted communications are coming from. Miniaturization is key to making small unmanned aircraft systems operable with each other and with larger aircraft, Contarino told Mainebiz.
The engineering solutions focus on minimal size, weight, power and cost.
“With the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles, everything has to be interoperable, everything has to be scaled,” she said.
Bangor facility
The plan for Bangor is to establish a dedicated innovation center to advance the next generation of unmanned systems technology.
R Cubed selected Bangor for its proximity to Bangor International Airport, I-95 and support from Maine & Co., said Contarino. The location offers logistics infrastructure well-suited for light manufacturing, system integration, testing and federal program support, the company said. The region also offers a desirable quality of life, higher-education assets and access to a skilled workforce.
The 8,840-square-foot building at 1178 Hammond St. dates back to 1975 and was remodeled in 1994. It includes two service bays, dock-height storage space, 20-foot ceilings, office space and parking. It’s at a visible location and less than a half-mile from an I-395/I-95 interchange. Previously a retail tire sale and auto service building, it was listed by David Hughes of Epstein Commercial Real Estate.
‘Right place, right time’
The expansion was needed to accommodate demand.
“We have numerous contracts where it’s outpaced our efforts,” said Contarino.
In July 2025, Stephen Boyes, the company’s chief of staff, relocated to Maine. The company has other friends and family in Maine, said Contarino.
“We then looked at the value, at the academic institutions making considerable investments in new engineering technologies,” she said. “Boil it down — right place, right time. And I’m an airport fiend. I have to live next to multiple airports, because we travel so much.”
Cleanrooms
The phased project will include a cleanup and a complete interior overhaul that will include the installation of clean rooms for the development of electronics, new fiber internet, plumbing, paint and security systems; plus exterior beautification.
The goal is to have the Bangor operation up and running by late this summer with local hires. Contarino and her team are looking at synergies with the University of Maine.
Investment in the Bangor facility included the undisclosed purchase price. It’s anticipated that another $100,000 will go into build-out to start. The investment is self-funded.
“This investment reflects strong confidence in Maine’s growing innovation network and the future of the defense and advanced manufacturing sector here,” said Ashley Pringle, vice president of operations at Maine & Co., which supported R Cubed’s site selection and expansion along with local and state partners, including the city of Bangor and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
The project reflects Bangor’s commitment to supporting high-tech growth and collaborative economic development, said Anne Krieg, director of Bangor’s community and economic development department.
The expansion aligns with state goals, said Michael Duguay, commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
“Maine has the skilled workforce, infrastructure and long-term commitment needed to help companies grow and succeed, while positioning the state as a competitive destination for other out-of-state firms considering future investments,” Duguay said.
