At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hardware product development from prototype to mass deployment in retail.
- Company: Stealth-mode startup revolutionising grocery retail with behavioural AI.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, equity, 25 days leave, and direct access to founders.
- Other info: Full autonomy over hardware strategy and collaboration with a strong engineering team.
- Why this job: Transform the shopping experience for millions with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in taking products from prototype to scaled production.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About algo1
algo1 is a VC-backed, stealth-mode startup building behavioural AI for the retail industry. Our platform has been built from the ground up with no legacy systems, no patchwork, just a clean slate and a clear vision. Our mission is to bring the power of modern machine learning directly to the in-store shopping experience. Grocery retail is one of the industries best positioned to benefit from AI. Retailers generate vast amounts of data, yet most have only scratched the surface of its potential. At algo1, we're building the technology to change that. Mission matters to us. What sets us apart is our obsession with grocery retail and the shopper experience. If you're excited by the opportunity to transform an experience that touches millions of people every day, you'll feel right at home here.
The Role
We're hiring a Lead Hardware Engineer to own our hardware product end-to-end—from today's early units through retail pilots to mass deployment. You'll define the hardware strategy from the ground up, rather than inherit an existing roadmap. You’ll work closely with the founders and our two product leaders (B2C and B2B), supported by a strong engineering team in Pakistan and external design partners that you'll select and lead.
What You'll Own
- The hardware product end-to-end: From today's early units through retail trials and into large-scale deployment.
- Sourcing and supplier strategy: manufacturer selection, sourcing and management.
- Supply chain scaling: including certification, production ramp-up, logistics, and successful deployment into retail environments.
- External design partners: You will brief, select, and direct industrial design and engineering contractors.
- The supply chain ramp: certification, production scale-up, logistics and getting devices into stores ready to work.
Essentials Requirements
- Taken a physical product from prototype through EVT/DVT/PVT into scaled production.
- Shipped by coordinating design, engineering, and manufacturing through outsourced relationships, ideally with direct design-to-manufacturing experience in China.
- Owned ODM and contract manufacturing relationships and survived real supply chain disruption.
- Built consumer-grade hardware for demanding settings (retail, payments, logistics, mobility) where drop testing, IP ratings, and cleaning regimes are second nature.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay plus meaningful equity.
- 25 day's annual leave.
- The opportunity to work directly with experienced founders and C-level leadership.
- Full autonomy over hardware strategy, working directly with the founders.
Lead Hardware Engineer employer: algo1
At Algo1, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, perfect for those passionate about behavioural AI in the retail sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on cutting-edge technology and best practices, providing ample opportunities for professional development while working alongside talented teams in a vibrant environment. Join us in shaping the future of retail with a clean slate approach, where your contributions will have a meaningful impact from day one.
