JOB DETAILS:

MariTest is an award-winning health-tech startup reimagining disease diagnosis in Africa. We are developing a non-invasive, AI-powered diagnostic device that delivers accurate malaria test results in under five minutes without drawing blood, enabling rapid, accessible, and dignified diagnosis for underserved communities.

With two working prototypes and clinical validations already underway, we are moving from early-stage hardware development into the device finalization and field-readiness phase. As we prepare for regulatory submissions and field deployment, we are seeking a highly capable and driven Embedded Systems Engineer to join us and support our engineering team in realizing a production-grade, fully-integrated diagnostic platform.

Role Overview

The Embedded Systems Engineer will take a hands-on lead in the integration, optimization, and validation of embedded software for the MariTest diagnostic device. You’ll work at the heart of the technology—collaborating with hardware engineers, product designers, and AI teams—to ensure robust system performance and field reliability.

This is a high-impact role ideal for someone with at least 3 years of embedded systems experience or exceptional recent graduates ready to tackle real-world engineering challenges in a mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the firmware integration and debugging process on ESP32-based microcontroller platforms.
• Develop and optimize embedded C/C++ code for:
  • • Sensor data acquisition
    • Device control logic
    • Wireless communication modules (WiFi, GSM, Bluetooth)
• Work with hardware team to diagnose and resolve PCB-level and circuit design issues.
• Conduct rigorous testing including functional, performance, and stress testing of the device firmware.
• Implement and optimize real-time data logging, local storage, and secure cloud/data transmission features.
• Improve power management strategies for battery-operated deployments.
• Support GSM module integration to ensure reliable mobile network communication in rural environments.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, versioning logs, and testing reports.
• Participate in design reviews and provide strategic technical input on system architecture, scalability, and manufacturability.
• Contribute to an agile, iterative product development process and share knowledge with junior team members.
• Be able to come up with UI for embedded systems

Required Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
  • Proficiency in embedded systems programming (C/C++) with a strong understanding of microcontroller architectures.
  • Hands-on experience with ESP32, STM32, or similar MCUs.
  • Familiarity with Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, or other embedded development platforms.
  • Experience with communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C.
  • Solid grasp of sensor integration (analog and digital), data calibration, and interfacing.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics and PCB layouts (Altium Designer experience is an advantage).
  • Understanding of wireless connectivity (GSM, WiFi, Bluetooth) for IoT/edge devices.
  • Strong debugging, testing, and hardware-software troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent documentation and communication abilities.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet tight timelines in a startup environment.

What We Offer

• A chance to work on a life-saving diagnostic product with potential for massive global impact in a start up environment
• A collaborative and mission-driven team that values innovation, inclusion, and execution.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and access to cross-functional innovation teams.
• Flexible work setup with deliverable-based milestones and clear outcomes.