Founding Engineer / Hardware Lead

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

Essential skills and experience

• 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

Desirable skills and experience

• 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