Passionate about making a difference and building groundbreaking new technology? 

Biofonic is looking for a full-time lead Hardware Design Engineer to help us on our mission to accelerate sustainable agriculture and conservation research. 

This is an excellent opportunity to make a big impact with opportunities for rapid career advancement at a dynamic, early-stage startup building a novel solution for soil ecosystem intelligence.  

About the role

Location: London, UK 

Salary range: £38-60k + EMI share options 

In this role, you will play a critical part in designing and developing our next-generation acoustic sensor hardware and unique data models. You’ll get your hands dirty (literally!) and work closely with the entire cross-functional team, including the founder, ML engineer, and our academic advisors and commercial partners across entomology, soil science, eco-acoustics, and agriculture to create innovative solutions.

We are seeking a talented and driven Hardware Design Engineer with strong signal processing and networked sensors expertise to advance our current hardware prototype and develop exciting new sensing capabilities. You will be responsible for expanding our sensing capabilities from bench to deployment in research and real-world commercial settings across the UK.

Your work will influence the future of sustainable agriculture by providing farmers and conservation managers with accessible, high-impact tools needed to save our depleting arable soils and accelerate new discoveries about the planet’s least understood and most biodiverse ecosystem - Soil.

We are prioritizing candidates with founding team member potential. Your ability to exhibit thought leadership and strong product strategy skills within an evolving technological landscape will be key as we work to shape the future of farming.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Development: Lead the design and development of our hardware solution, ensuring they meet both user requirements and our scientific and commercial goals.

• Prototyping and Testing: Create prototypes and conduct rigorous testing to validate sensor performance in various soil conditions and environments.

• Collaboration: Work closely within our team and across our research and pilot partners. 

• Innovation: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in IoT and sensor technology, materials, and agricultural practices to continually improve our products. Having informed opinions and vision for our long-term product strategy will be essential.

• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of design processes, test results, and technical specifications to support product development and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in hardware design, with a focus on embedded sensor technology and IoT systems. Experience with acoustic signal processing is highly preferred.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in CAD software, PCB design, and signal processing. Experience with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and sensor networks.

• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and strategic abilities and the capacity to analyze and interpret complex data.

• Team Player: Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Passion: A genuine interest in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

About Biofonic

We’re passionate believers in regenerative and life-centered design, and our holistic, values-driven, interdisciplinary approach to delivering impact permeates everything we do. 

What we offer:

• Impact: Be part of a mission-driven company dedicated to making a real difference in farmers’ and land managers’ ability to transition to net-zero, nature-friendly methods.

• Innovation: Work on cutting-edge technology and research spanning acoustics, ML, AI, user behavior, sustainability, agriculture, and ecology.

• Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement within role and in partnership with our sponsoring accelerator programs and advisory network. Opportunities to pursue value-added work outside your role scope through 20% projects. 

• Culture: A collaborative, inclusive and fun work environment that values creativity and innovation.

• Benefits: Competitive salary, employee options, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities to visit our partner sites across the UK and see your work in action.

We value diversity of talent, ideas and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer. If you are unsure if it’s a perfect fit but are excited about what we are working on, we encourage you to apply!

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you are interested in this role to alex@biofonic.earth with the subject line "Biofonic Hardware Design Engineer - Signal Processing & Sensors Specialist."

Join us at Biofonic and help shape the future of sustainable farming and interspecies AI!

Photo by Red Zeppelin on Unsplash