Senior Embedded Systems Consultant - IoT and Biometric Hardware

About the Role

We are hiring a Freelance Embedded Hardware Consultant to lead the component selection, PCB design, and bring-up of a production-ready biometric device. This is a hands‑on technical role with end‑to‑end ownership from schematic to working prototype.

What You Will Work On

• Single PCB design supporting four variants: fingerprint only, fingerprint with LAN, fingerprint with face recognition, and full biometric with WiFi and LAN.
• Component selection across MCU platforms including ESP32‑S3, STM32H7, and Rockchip RV1106.
• Integration of fingerprint modules (R307/R503), face recognition modules or onboard NPU, W5500 or RTL8201F Ethernet, DS3231 RTC, relay output for door lock control, and a 2.4 inch TFT display.
• Firmware architecture for UART‑driven peripheral communication, WiFi and Ethernet stack, and attendance logging.
• Coordination with JLCPCB or PCBWay for fabrication and PCBA at 10 to 50 unit scale.
• BOM optimization for Indian sourcing through LCSC, Robu, and AliExpress.

What We Are Looking For

• 5 or more years of experience in embedded hardware design with PCB layout in KiCad or Altium.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one of ESP32, STM32, or Linux‑based SoCs.
• Prior work on access control, IoT devices, or industrial hardware preferred.
• Strong understanding of power supply design, UART, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet PHY integration.
• Ability to deliver a working prototype within 8 to 12 weeks.
• Based in India preferred. Open to remote with milestone‑based deliverables.

Engagement

• This is a project‑based consulting engagement.
• Compensation is milestone‑linked and negotiable based on experience and scope.
• Equity participation is open to discussion for the right candidate who wants a longer‑term association.

To Apply

• Send a message with your portfolio, relevant projects, and your approach to this kind of multi‑variant single‑PCB design.
• Links to previous hardware work are strongly preferred over a traditional resume.