Automotive Embedded Software for EV Instrument Cluster

Summary We are seeking a skilled professional to develop embedded software for an instrument cluster in an electric vehicle. The project involves creating reliable and efficient software that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s systems. The ideal candidate should have experience in embedded software development and be able to deliver a solution that meets the project requirements. This is a part-time opportunity for someone who can work independently and communicate effectively throughout the project. Job Description We are developing the electronics package for an EV car. We need a freelance developer to design and build a digital instrument cluster screen that runs in parallel to the Central screen. Prefer C++ , Qt/QML NDA is required before any technical specs, CAD/3D files, or vehicle documentation are shared. What you'll build A custom instrument cluster UI/UX (driver-side, possibly extending to a passenger-side display) developed in Qt (QML/Widgets) or another Linux-based embedded display framework. Real-time gauges and telemetry: speed, RPM, oil pressure/temperature, and other standard performance data, replacing the donor car's branding with our own custom graphics and logo. A configurable startup/welcome animation, with complexity scaling by phase: (1) static branded splash image, (2) animated sequence, (3) stretch goal — a touch-interactive 3D rotating car model (Asphalt-game-style), each tier with different hardware/timeline implications you'll help us scope. Integration with the vehicle's CAN bus: reading and decoding CAN frames (ideally from a DBC file or via reverse-engineering where documentation is incomplete) to drive the cluster's live data feed. Ambient lighting control logic exposed via the central display (RGB, user-configurable). Tech stack / requirements Strong experience with Qt/QML (or equivalent embedded GUI toolkit) for automotive or industrial HMI development. Solid embedded Linux background (Yocto/Buildroot or similar, SBC deployment — e.g., Raspberry Pi-class or automotive-grade display modules). Hands-on experience with CAN bus communication: SocketCAN, python-can, or similar; ability to decode/encode CAN frames, work with or without DBC files. C++ and/or Python for embedded application logic. Experience building real-time, low-latency gauge/telemetry UIs (automotive instrument clusters, sim racing dashboards, or similar is a strong plus). Comfortable working from a catalog/off-the-shelf display module (not custom hardware from scratch) — we're optimizing for speed given a tight delivery window. Nice to have Prior work on aftermarket or OEM digital instrument clusters. Experience with automotive HMI design guidelines / branding integration. Familiarity with Android Auto / Apple CarPlay integration (separate display, not in scope for this role, but useful context). Engagement details Remote, freelance, project-based (with potential for an ongoing relationship beyond this build — we're assembling a long-term supplier network). NDA required before sharing vehicle documentation, wiring diagrams, 3D models, or design references. No pioneering experiments, we need a proven, executable approach. Please include in your proposal: relevant past projects (instrument clusters, embedded HMI, CAN bus work), your suggested hardware/display approach, and a rough time estimate for a driver-side cluster MVP (gauges + branded splash screen, before animation/3D stretch goals).