About

Project Overview: We’re developing AvantPulse — a next-generation wearable AI interface that bridges human cognition and artificial intelligence. Our current prototype is built around a Raspberry Pi and discrete components. We’re now ready to move toward a production-ready flexible PCB that integrates all components into a compact, manufacturable circuit suitable for a sleek wearable form factor. Role: We’re seeking a PCB Designer / Hardware Engineer experienced in flexible or rigid-flex circuit design for wearable and IoT devices. You’ll lead the electrical design of AvantPulse — including component selection, SoC integration, and board layout — with a focus on flexibility, manufacturability, and future firmware compatibility. You’ll also design a secure and space-efficient method for flashing the microcontroller / SoC (via programming header, pads, or connector) to enable seamless firmware updates. Project Phases: Phase 1 — Core Circuit Development: - Select the optimal SoC or microcontroller (smaller and lower-power than Raspberry Pi, e.g. ESP32-S3 alternative or similar). - Design a flexible PCB layout integrating microphones, bone-conduction drivers, LEDs, sensors, and other peripherals. - Ensure all critical modules (audio, LEDs, sensors, etc.) are modular or detachable for ease of assembly and future updates. - Include an accessible, minimal flashing interface for programming the SoC (JTAG, UART, or pogo-pin pad). - Deliver schematic, PCB layout, and Bill of Materials (BOM). Phase 2 — Enclosure & Firmware Integration: - Collaborate with the mechanical designer (3D modeler) to finalize board shape and connection points. - Coordinate with the firmware engineer to confirm SoC programming access, peripheral pin mapping, and layout modifications. - Deliver final PCB layout, updated BOM, and Gerber files ready for fabrication. - Optional: support small-batch prototype fabrication (via JLCPCB, PCBWay, etc.) (Coordination will be done by me, you may not need to talk to anyone else at all, I will supply what you need for phase 2) Responsibilities: - Convert a Raspberry Pi–based prototype into a custom SoC-based PCB for wearable use. - Optimize for flexibility, miniaturization, and low-power performance. - Design for manufacturability (DFM) and modular assembly. - Provide documentation and guidance for the firmware developer and 3D modeler. Requirements: - Proven experience designing flexible or small-form-factor PCBs. - Proficiency with Altium, KiCad, or similar EDA tools. - Understanding of SoC integration, DFM, and low-power circuit design. - Familiarity with wearable electronics (LEDs, microphones, touch sensors, bone-conduction audio, etc.). Nice to Have: - Experience in AI or IoT hardware. - Familiarity with firmware programming / bootloaders. - Past work in consumer electronics or HCI (human-computer interaction). Deliverables: - Phase 1: Complete schematic, flexible PCB layout, and BOM. - Phase 2: Finalized PCB layout & Gerber files after firmware/mechanical alignment. Optional: Support prototype fabrication and bring-up testing. Why Work With Us: You’ll collaborate directly with the founder of Avanture LLC, a Maryland-based future-tech startup focused on merging AI and human capability through wearable innovation. This is an opportunity to help shape the first generation of intelligent, body-integrated hardware — defining a new era of human–AI interaction.