Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech)

TL;DR

Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech): Leading the development of AI-powered optical platforms for personalized medicine with an accent on interdisciplinary hardware-software integration and regulatory compliance. Focus on building high-performing multidisciplinary teams, translating clinical needs into robust engineering solutions, and driving programs from concept to validation.

Location: Must be based in London, UK

Company

hirify.global is building an AI-powered platform to democratize access to personalized medicine through a proprietary optical fingerprint library of disease biomarkers.

What you will do

• Provide technical direction and manage day-to-day engineering operations to align with company strategy.
• Assemble, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team spanning hardware, software, optics, and data science.
• Translate clinical and biological needs into robust engineering solutions in collaboration with scientists.
• Standardize engineering practices and promote knowledge sharing across UK and international sites.
• Drive programs from concept through verification and validation, managing risks and resources.
• Ensure all engineering practices comply with ISO 13485, ISO 15189, IVDR, and UKCA standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Nanoscience, Biomedical, Optical, Electrical, or Physics Engineering (PhD is a plus).
• 6+ years of experience leading engineering or product development in medical devices or life-science instrumentation.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.
• Deep expertise in optics/photonics with broad fluency across multiple core engineering areas.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, IVDR, and UKCA in product development.
• Must be based in London, UK.

Nice to have

• Exposure to AI/ML.
• Startup experience, including navigating failure and recovery cycles.
• Exposure to ISO 15189.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible environment with adaptable working hours and a strong remote work culture.
• Private healthcare insurance (for employees).
• Collaborative, low-ego, and mission-driven atmosphere focused on patient-centered outcomes.
• Weekly happy hours with food and drinks, plus free coffee and snacks.
• Opportunity to work in a deep-tech company recognized by Financial Times and CB Insights.