About us
AnFiTest is an early-stage biotech startup developing field-ready diagnostics and data analytics for equine and livestock health. Our initial product is a portable testing device focused on equine laminitis prevention, with a longer-term ambition to build practical at-home and on-site testing technologies across the wider animal health and agri-tech sectors.
We are moving from proof-of-concept into prototype development, with a major focus on building early devices for partner testing and demonstrations. This is an opportunity to join at an early stage and help shape the engineering direction of a product as it moves from R&D into real-world use.
The role
This role sits within the R&D team and will act as the technical lead for hardware and device integration, with potential to grow into Head of Engineering as the company scales.
We are looking for an ambitious Hardware Lead to coordinate and drive hardware development and device integration for our portable testing device. The role is initially focused on delivering working prototype devices and bringing together the hardware, assay, consumables, electrodes and software into a functioning system.
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, software/data team, interns and external manufacturing partners. Your focus will be on translating R&D and product requirements into practical engineering specifications, coordinating technical delivery, supporting prototype development, and ensuring that the device architecture can progress toward manufacturable product design.
This role would suit someone with industry experience in hardware engineering, device development, product development, instrumentation or a related engineering field who is ready to step into a broader technical leadership role in a fast-moving startup.
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
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone practical, organised and technically curious, who can help turn a proof-of-concept technology into a working portable device.
You do not need to be an expert in every area, but you should be confident coordinating specialists, asking the right questions, spotting risks early and helping drive prototype delivery.
The right person will be comfortable balancing speed, reliability and manufacturability, and will enjoy working closely with both scientists and engineers. This role would suit someone who wants to grow with the company and take increasing ownership of engineering as the product and team scale.
Location
In person, based in Newcastle. Regular hands-on work with prototypes, testing and the wider technical team will be required.
Start date
July 2026
Salary
£45,000, with potential for progression and equity participation as the company grows.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to [email protected]. Applications submitted by email with both documents will be prioritised.
Pay: £45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
