Embedded Systems & Hardware Engineering Specialist

Freelance / Contract: Embedded Systems & Hardware Engineering Specialist

Engagement Type: Contract /Freelance (Project-Based or Hourly)

Location: Remote / Hybrid (Benchtop testing support in Bengaluru is a plus)

Estimated Duration: Project-Based Milestone Deliverables

Project Scope & Overview

We are seeking an experienced (6 to 8+years)Freelance Embedded Systems & Hardware Engineer to lead the schematic design, multi-layer PCB layout, firmware architecture, and hardware bring-up for our smart connected IoT device ecosystem.

You will be responsible for taking our system hardware from conceptual block diagrams to fully functional, tested benchtop prototypes and production-ready PCB layouts.

Key Deliverable Milestones

1. Multi-Layer PCB Design & Schematic Capture

• Design complete schematics and production-ready multi-layer PCBs using Altium Designer or KiCAD.

• Implement power supply stages including AC-to-DC regulation, battery charging circuits (Li-ion / LiFePO4), buck/boost converters, and supercapacitor reserve units.

• Design robust drive circuits for actuators, solenoid micro-locks, relays, position sensors, and physical interrupt triggers.

• Ensure proper trace routing, impedance matching, and EMI/EMC mitigation for high-speed signals and wireless antennas.

2. Firmware Development & Protocol Integration

• Write clean, modular C/C++ firmware (FreeRTOS, ESP-IDF, or bare-metal C) for microcontrollers (ESP32 / STM32 / ARM Cortex-M).

• Interface microcontrollers with embedded Linux Single Board Computers (Raspberry Pi / ARM / x86 SBCs) over UART, SPI, I2C, or USB protocols.

• Integrate cellular modems (LTE Cat-4 / 5G with eSIM/SIM) and GNSS GPS modules via AT commands.

• Implement MQTT/TLS client communication with hardware watchdog protection and power-saving modes.

3. Hardware Bring-Up, Debugging & Testing

• Perform benchtop hardware bring-up, signal verification, and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.

• Conduct hand-soldering and wiring harness assembly for prototype builds.

• Assist in fitting physical electronic assemblies into custom enclosures (3D-printed, sheet metal, or molded plastics).

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience: 4+ years of proven freelance or industry experience in embedded hardware and firmware engineering.

• PCB Layout Tools: Expertise in Altium Designer or KiCAD (must provide portfolio/gerber design samples).

• Microcontrollers & SBCs: Hands-on mastery of ESP32, STM32, ARM Cortex-M, and Raspberry Pi / Linux SBC integration.

• Languages & Firmware: C, C++, Embedded C, FreeRTOS, Python/Linux shell scripting.

• Power & Peripherals: Experience with LiFePO4/Li-ion BMS, supercapacitors, solenoids, touchscreens, camera modules, cellular LTE, and GPS modules.

• Equipment: Access to basic benchtop testing equipment (Oscilloscope, Multimeter, Soldering Station).

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with embedded Linux WebRTC audio/video pipelines.

• Understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and CE/FCC/BIS regulatory compliance guidelines.

Work Location: Remote