At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hardware development for a portable equine health diagnostic device and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join an innovative biotech startup focused on equine and livestock health solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced startup culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal health while working on cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in hardware engineering and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Lead hardware development and device integration for our portable equine health diagnostic device. AnFiTest is an early-stage biotech startup developing field-ready diagnostics and data analytics for equine and livestock health. Our initial focus is a portable testing device for equine laminitis prevention.
This is not a role where one person is expected to design every subsystem alone. You will work closely with specialist engineering consultancies, the R&D Director, the software/data team, interns and external manufacturing partners.
Key responsibilities- Lead hardware engineering and device integration for the portable testing device
- Coordinate external engineering consultancies and suppliers across hardware development, sensing integration, sample handling, cartridge/consumable interfaces and prototype delivery
- Translate assay, electrode, cartridge and user workflow requirements into clear engineering specifications
- Drive prototype development, build, testing, troubleshooting and iteration ahead of partner testing and demonstrations
- Proactively identify and help resolve engineering issues that could affect prototype delivery, device performance, usability, or scale-up
- Work with the R&D Director to align engineering activity with the wider R&D roadmap, including assay development, consumables, electrode production and software integration
- Support and supervise engineering interns or junior technical staff
- Contribute to design‑for‑manufacture, supplier engagement, component sourcing, assembly workflow development and production readiness
- Maintain clear documentation of design decisions, test outcomes, engineering specifications and technical requirements
- Relevant industry experience in hardware engineering, product development, mechanical/electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, scientific instrumentation, or a related field
- Hands‑on experience with prototype development, testing, troubleshooting, and iteration
- Practical CAD and prototyping experience, including 3D printing and/or mechanical design
- Ability to translate scientific, technical, or user requirements into practical engineering specifications
- Experience coordinating technical work with external suppliers, consultants, contractors or manufacturing partners
- Strong practical problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make progress under time and resource constraints
- Clear communication and documentation skills
- Comfortable working hands‑on in a fast‑moving startup environment with evolving requirements
- Able to work across disciplines and bring structure to complex, evolving technical projects
- Experience with biosensors, diagnostics, electrochemical devices, medical/veterinary devices, or agri‑tech hardware
- Experience with cartridges, consumables, fluidics, or liquid‑ and sample‑handling systems
- Understanding of electronics, embedded systems, sensor interfaces, or electrochemical measurement systems
- Experience applying design‑for‑manufacture principles to hardware products
- Experience supporting design transfer, pilot manufacturing, assembly workflows or production scale‑up
- Experience working in a startup, consultancy, or early‑stage product development environment
- Experience supervising interns, junior engineers, or technical staff
Founding Engineer / Hardware Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: AnFiTest Ltd
AnFiTest is an innovative early-stage biotech startup that offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, perfect for those passionate about advancing equine health diagnostics. As a Founding Engineer / Hardware Lead, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our portable testing device while working alongside a talented team and external partners, fostering both personal and professional growth. With a focus on hands-on development and problem-solving, AnFiTest encourages creativity and initiative, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer / Hardware Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like AnFiTest Ltd. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like AnFiTest Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Engineer / Hardware Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show AnFiTest Ltd that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at AnFiTest Ltd.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that AnFiTest Ltd does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at AnFiTest Ltd
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at AnFiTest Ltd. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into AnFiTest Ltd's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at AnFiTest Ltd. This shows your passion for the industry!
