BDIC MedTech - Senior Engineer

BDIC MedTech – Senior Engineering Role Briefing Document About BDIC MedTech Industry Context The implantable medical device sector represents one of the most complex and innovation-driven areas in healthcare technology. Globally, the market for active implantable devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, artificial hearts) is expected to exceed $50 billion USD by 2030, driven by ageing populations, chronic disease prevalence, and demand for minimally invasive solutions. However, barriers to entry are significant: Regulatory stringency : Devices must meet rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality standards (notably by the FDA and European MDR). Engineering precision : Systems must be ultra-reliable, low-energy, biocompatible, and capable of long-term operation in complex biological environments. Cost and talent scarcity : Senior engineers with implantable expertise are in short supply. Company Overview BDIC MedTech (formerly Galvani Tech) is a spin-out from Ulster University that has evolved from the ICURe and Innovate UK programs. The company has secured initial seed funding (~£300k from Innovate UK and ~£100k from Ulster University) and completed significant preclinical work, including successful sheep trials. BDIC’s mission is to develop an implantable medical device that delivers wireless power to support critical therapeutic systems, such as cardiac devices. Developing a novel wireless power transfer (WPT) system designed for implantable medical devices , with an initial focus on left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are life-saving devices used in patients with severe heart failure but are currently limited by the need for external drivelines —cables exiting the body to connect to power sources, which pose significant risks of infection, immobility, and poor patient quality of life. BDIC’s core innovation addresses this critical limitation by eliminating the driveline through a system capable of transmitting energy wirelessly through tissue and then storing and regulating that energy inside the body to power therapeutic devices. Current System Status A non-miniaturised proof-of-concept system has been developed and validated in preclinical large animal trials (e.g. sheep) . This system is currently composed of modular lab-bench components, including: External wireless power transmitter Internal receiver circuit (externalized in test settings) Power management unit Preliminary control and monitoring software Functionality has been demonstrated under simulated clinical conditions, showing energy transfer stability, biological tolerance, and safety . Target Application: LVAD Support Initial implementation aims to provide power to implantable pumps that assist cardiac function, especially in advanced heart failure patients. The WPT system must be biocompatible , reliable over multi-year implantation , and safe under dynamic physiological conditions . Power requirements are higher than typical for neurostimulators or cochlear implants, placing BDIC in a category of high-power implantable systems —a technically challenging and under-served segment. Platform Potential Beyond Cardiology Although the initial LVAD use case is clearly defined, the WPT platform has broad applicability across the implantables sector: Cochlear Implants : To eliminate battery replacements or external packs Renal Monitoring & Stimulation Devices : Where energy demand is continuous Neurostimulators : Especially in chronic pain or epilepsy applications requiring longer duty cycles Bio-artificial organs : Future applications may include sensors or systems embedded in tissue scaffolds or organ replacements The Team Mr Stuart McConchie (CEO) has experience in the LVAD industry, and Dr David McEneaney (SMO) is a consultant cardiologist at Craigavon Area Hospital, UK. Prof Jim McLaughlin is the technical advisor. Prof Omar Escalona (CSO) has expertise in wireless power transmission systems. Dr Mohammad Karim (CTO & Project Manager). Job Specification BDIC seeks a Senior Engineer to lead the development of its first functional prototype—a miniaturised, implantable wireless energy transfer system. This role is pivotal to advancing the company toward clinical readiness and investor traction. Key Responsibilities Translate lab-based proof-of-concept into an integrated, testable prototype Lead systems design, architecture, and safety/compliance strategy Supervise and mentor junior and graduate engineers (on-site team in Belfast) Collaborate with subcontracted specialists across disciplines Work alongside founders on investor presentations and grant applications Implement design control, risk management, and regulatory alignment (FDA, MHRA) Establish component sourcing, quality documentation, and test protocols Define hardware/software interfaces and testing architecture Prepare the engineering groundwork for preclinical testing and regulatory submission Key Engineering Goals Ahead Miniaturisation : Condense the current system into a compact form factor suitable for implantation, approaching the size of a pacemaker or ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator). Systems Integration : Combine hardware, electronics, and firmware into a single validated prototype suitable for regulatory pathway exploration. Thermal & Electromagnetic Safety : Ensure wireless energy does not create unsafe tissue heating or electromagnetic interference. Power Efficiency & Storage : Develop robust battery and capacitor solutions for safe and efficient energy buffering inside the body. Mechanical & Packaging Design : Enable implantation via minimally invasive techniques. Compliance Readiness : Build in alignment with FDA design controls and ISO 13485/IEC 60601 standards , with the aim of progressing to bench and human studies within 12–18 months. Essential Skills & Experience Demonstrated success in delivering complex medical implantable device systems . (Implanted Mechanical Circulatory Support System experience desirable but not essential.) Cross-disciplinary expertise in electronics, embedded systems, and hardware design Familiarity with ISO 13485, IEC 60601, and FDA design controls Experience leading teams within a regulated MedTech environment Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences Exposure to preclinical animal models or similar testing frameworks Desirable Skills & Experience Demonstrated success in delivering complex medical or implantable device systems, specifically within the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) domain Experience in wireless power transfer systems, implantable sensors, or telemetry Prior work with or for startups, especially during early prototyping phases MSc/PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields Location & Commitment Hybrid: Some presence in Belfast (1–2 days/week) preferred Open to UK/Europe-based or remote with structured travel Part-time (initially), with potential to scale commitment as project matures Compensation Competitive daily rate or part-time salary Equity participation negotiable Why This Is a Great Opportunity This role offers the chance to lead the development of a groundbreaking implantable medical device from prototype to clinical readiness. You’ll be shaping a platform technology with the potential to transform cardiac and therapeutic implants through wireless power transfer —a rare opportunity in MedTech. You’ll work closely with experienced founders, clinical innovators, and university-backed funders, with flexibility on location, structure, and equity participation . It's a chance to apply your engineering leadership to a mission with global health impact and help build a high-potential startup at a pivotal stage.