PCB Designer & Embedded Systems Engineer (Contract)

About BOSApps

BOSApps builds software and connected products that solve practical business problems. We are exploring a family of Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices that can be managed locally without depending on a cloud service, while also supporting optional cloud-based monitoring and control.

The Project

We are looking for an experienced PCB designer and embedded systems engineer, or a small engineering team, to help design and prototype PoE-powered devices. The initial product concepts are a TV digital-signage player and an environmental sensor. We want a repeatable hardware and software foundation that can be adapted for additional connected devices over time.

A core requirement is that each device has its own local management interface and API. When connected to a customer’s network, a user should be able to open the device’s local IP address in a browser, for example http://192.168.1.42, to configure and manage it. Devices should also communicate with local servers and be manageable from a phone on the same network. Cloud connectivity may be offered, but local management must remain useful when the internet or cloud service is unavailable.

Initial Devices

1. PoE TV Digital-Signage Player

Design the hardware and help define the embedded software architecture for a compact player that connects to a television or display through HDMI. It should be powered over Ethernet where practical and support:

• Playing digital-signage content on a connected TV or monitor.
• Local setup and administration through a browser at the device’s LAN IP address.
• Communication with local servers and management from a phone or computer on the same network.
• Optional cloud-based control for remote configuration, content management, monitoring, and software updates.
• Secure over-the-air software updates, with a documented recovery path if an update fails.
• A practical path to production, including suitable compute module or system-on-module options if a fully custom board is not the best approach.

Linux is preferred where it meets the product requirements, but Android is acceptable if it is a better fit for the hardware, media playback, and update requirements. We are open to advice on the most reliable and cost-effective architecture.

2. PoE Environmental Sensor

Design a network-connected sensor device powered by Ethernet. The initial measurements should include:

• Temperature.
• Relative humidity.
• An extensible design for additional sensors, potentially including CO₂, VOCs, particulate matter, and barometric pressure, depending on cost and feasibility.

The device should expose readings and configuration through its local web interface and API, and support sending readings to a local server. Cloud reporting may be available as an optional feature. The design should consider sensor accuracy, calibration, enclosure airflow, heat from the electronics, and long-term reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop the hardware architecture and recommend appropriate PoE power circuitry and Ethernet components.
• Create schematics, PCB layouts, and production-ready design files.
• Select suitable processors, compute modules, memory, connectors, sensors, and other components.
• Design for manufacturability, thermal performance, electrical safety, reliability, and reasonable production cost.
• Work with firmware or software engineering to define the local web server, browser-based administration, device API, and LAN discovery/configuration approach.
• Define secure device provisioning, authentication, network configuration, and signed or otherwise securely validated OTA updates.
• Build prototypes, bring up and debug the boards, and document test results.
• Prepare the bill of materials (BOM), pick-and-place files, Gerbers or equivalent fabrication outputs, assembly drawings, test procedures, and manufacturing handoff documentation.
• Advise on component availability, production testing, certification requirements, and the best path from prototype to a manufacturable product.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience designing and releasing custom PCBs.
• Practical experience with Ethernet-connected embedded devices and PoE power design, including relevant IEEE 802.3 PoE standards and power budgets.
• Experience selecting embedded processors or compute modules and integrating Ethernet, power management, and peripheral interfaces.
• Ability to troubleshoot prototypes using appropriate lab equipment and communicate findings clearly.
• Familiarity with design-for-manufacturing, BOM cost control, component sourcing, and PCB assembly workflows.
• Strong documentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical trade-offs to a product team.

Helpful Experience

• Embedded Linux, Android, or other embedded operating systems.
• Local web applications and HTTP APIs hosted directly on a device.
• Secure remote management and OTA update systems.
• HDMI video output and digital-signage or media-player products.
• Temperature, humidity, air-quality sensors, calibration, and enclosure design.
• Ethernet networking, DHCP, device discovery, and operation on isolated LANs or VLANs.
• Experience taking an electronics product from prototype through contract manufacturing and production testing.

Expected Deliverables

The initial engagement is expected to include:

1. A proposed architecture for the signage player and environmental sensor, with key component choices and estimated per-unit cost assumptions.
2. Schematics, PCB layout, and editable source files for the agreed prototype design.
3. A BOM with manufacturer part numbers and sourcing notes.
4. Prototype boards and a bring-up/debug report, or a clear plan for procuring and validating prototypes.
5. A documented local-management approach, including the local web UI, API, network setup, and interaction with local servers or mobile browsers.
6. An OTA update and optional cloud-management architecture, including security and failure recovery considerations.
7. Manufacturing outputs and concise assembly, testing, and handoff documentation.

Final scope and milestones will be agreed with the selected contractor before work begins. Candidates should explain which of these deliverables they handle directly and which require additional firmware, software, industrial-design, or manufacturing partners.

How to Apply

Please share examples of relevant hardware projects, your role in each project, the design tools you use, and your experience with PoE, embedded software, and production handoff. Include your estimated timeline and preferred engagement structure for an initial prototype. We value engineers who can recommend a practical architecture, communicate trade-offs, and build products that are supportable after deployment.

Engagement: Contract, with potential for follow-on work as the product family develops.

Work arrangement: Remote.

Hiring Organization