At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to innovate in personalised medicine and drive impactful projects.
- Company: Join a top-rated deep tech startup transforming healthcare with AI and photonics.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, remote work, private healthcare, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities for creativity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering leadership, preferably in medical devices or life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech, Deep tech)
Full-time
Responsibilities
- Provide hands‑on technical direction and manage day‑to‑day engineering operations.
- Build and lead a multidisciplinary team across hardware, software, optics/photonics, systems, and data.
- Serve as the principal technical liaison with scientists and assay developers, translating clinical and biological needs into engineering solutions.
- Bridge UK and international sites, standardize practices, and keep priorities aligned.
- Drive program execution from concept to verification/validation, defining milestones, allocating resources, and managing risks.
- Lead innovation and iteration cycles with a data‑driven approach.
- Ensure engineering practices support ISO 13485, ISO 15189, IVDR, and UKCA expectations, partnering with QA/RA.
This role is based in London and collaborates daily with teams in the UK and abroad.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nanoscience, Biomedical, Optical, Electrical, Physics Engineering, or related; PhD a plus.
- 6+ years of engineering or product development leadership, preferably in medical devices, diagnostics, or life‑science instrumentation.
- Proven track record building and managing multidisciplinary teams in fast‑paced environments.
- Experience collaborating with clinical scientists, assay developers, or healthcare partners.
- Deep expertise in at least one core engineering area and broad fluency across optics/photonics; AI/ML exposure is a strong plus.
- Exceptional communication and program leadership skills, comfortable spanning technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Familiarity with ISO 13485, IVDR, and UKCA; ISO 15189 exposure desirable.
- Startup experience, including learning from failure/recovery cycles, strongly preferred.
- Builder’s mindset with high ownership, urgency, and empathy.
- Low‑ego, highly collaborative leadership style.
Benefits
- Private healthcare insurance (for employees; contractor benefits to be agreed).
- Flexible working hours and strong remote work culture.
- Opportunity to work with a world‑class, talented team and contribute to transformative healthcare solutions.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech, Deep tech) employer: iLoF
iLoF is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about advancing biomedical science through data. Employees benefit from hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and rigorous execution. Located in a fast-paced startup setting, iLoF offers the unique advantage of being at the forefront of scientific discovery while supporting personal and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech, Deep tech)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the healthtech and deep tech space. Attend meetups, webinars, or industry events to meet potential colleagues and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or any projects that highlight your expertise in optics, photonics, or AI, make sure to share them during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for engineering leads and think about how your past experiences align with the role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams and tackled challenges in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at iLoF. Your application will stand out if you show that you’re excited about what we do and how you can contribute.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech, Deep tech)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Engineering Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and any relevant projects in healthtech or photonics. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for personalized medicine and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any startup experience and your approach to innovation.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in optics/photonics and any AI/ML exposure. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at iLoF
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest advancements in optical systems and photonics. Brush up on your knowledge of AI applications in healthtech, as this role requires a solid understanding of how these technologies intersect.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in building and leading multidisciplinary teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired innovation and accountability, and be ready to explain how you foster collaboration across different engineering disciplines.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 13485, IVDR, and UKCA regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past projects, as this will demonstrate your ability to align engineering practices with quality standards.
✨Emphasise Your Startup Experience
Highlight any previous startup experience, especially how you’ve navigated challenges and iterations. Share stories that illustrate your resilience and data-driven decision-making, which are crucial for thriving in a fast-paced environment like this one.
