BDIC MedTech – Senior Engineering Role Briefing DocumentAbout BDIC MedTech
Industry ContextThe 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 OverviewBDIC 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 StatusA 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 transmitterInternal receiver circuit (externalized in test settings)Power management unitPreliminary control and monitoring softwareFunctionality has been demonstrated under simulated clinical conditions, showing energy transfer stability, biological tolerance, and safety.Target Application: LVAD SupportInitial 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 CardiologyAlthough 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 packsRenal Monitoring & Stimulation Devices: Where energy demand is continuousNeurostimulators: Especially in chronic pain or epilepsy applications requiring longer duty cyclesBio-artificial organs: Future applications may include sensors or systems embedded in tissue scaffolds or organ replacementsThe TeamMr 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 SpecificationBDIC 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 ResponsibilitiesTranslate lab-based proof-of-concept into an integrated, testable prototypeLead systems design, architecture, and safety/compliance strategySupervise and mentor junior and graduate engineers (on-site team in Belfast)Collaborate with subcontracted specialists across disciplinesWork alongside founders on investor presentations and grant applicationsImplement design control, risk management, and regulatory alignment (FDA, MHRA)Establish component sourcing, quality documentation, and test protocolsDefine hardware/software interfaces and testing architecturePrepare the engineering groundwork for preclinical testing and regulatory submissionKey Engineering Goals AheadMiniaturisation: 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 & ExperienceDemonstrated 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 designFamiliarity with ISO 13485, IEC 60601, and FDA design controlsExperience leading teams within a regulated MedTech environmentAbility to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiencesExposure to preclinical animal models or similar testing frameworksDesirable Skills & ExperienceDemonstrated success in delivering complex medical or implantable device systems, specifically within the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) domainExperience in wireless power transfer systems, implantable sensors, or telemetryPrior work with or for startups, especially during early prototyping phasesMSc/PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsLocation & CommitmentHybrid: Some presence in Belfast (1–2 days/week) preferredOpen to UK/Europe-based or remote with structured travelPart-time (initially), with potential to scale commitment as project maturesCompensationCompetitive daily rate or part-time salaryEquity participation negotiable
Why This Is a Great OpportunityThis 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.