Confidential IoT / Embedded Hardware Proof-of-Concept

Job Description I am developing a confidential connected physical product and I am looking for an experienced IoT / Embedded Systems engineering company, agency, or registered professional business to build an early functional proof-of-concept. The product concept and initial design direction already exist. Full product details, intended use, functional logic, and design materials will only be disclosed after signing an NDA. The objective of this first phase is to validate the core technical functionality using rapid prototyping and off-the-shelf electronics where appropriate. This is not a request for a production-ready product. The priority is to demonstrate that the core sensing, processing, feedback, and data-logging logic can work reliably. Core Objective The proof-of-concept should validate a confidential sensor-based interaction involving: Sense → Process → Feedback → Log The system will involve: * Real-time sensing * Local processing * Immediate user feedback * Event / data logging * Automatic state detection where appropriate * Repeatable operation across multiple test cycles Detailed measurement logic, target conditions, product application, and user interaction will only be disclosed after NDA. Expected Technical Approach The selected contractor may propose the most appropriate rapid-prototyping architecture. Possible technologies may include: * ESP32 * STM32 * nRF52 * Arduino-compatible platforms * Raspberry Pi Pico * Off-the-shelf sensing modules * LED or other local feedback systems * BLE where appropriate * Rapid prototyping electronics The engineering approach should prioritise: * Functional validation * Simplicity * Reliability * Low prototype cost * Fast iteration * Clear technical documentation A custom production PCB is not required at this stage. Scope of Work The selected contractor will be expected to: 1. Review the confidential technical requirements after NDA 2. Recommend the most appropriate sensing approach 3. Propose a simple embedded architecture 4. Select suitable off-the-shelf components 5. Build a functional proof-of-concept 6. Develop the required firmware 7. Implement real-time sensing and local processing 8. Implement local user feedback 9. Implement basic event / data logging 10. Test the system across repeated cycles 11. Document technical limitations and risks 12. Recommend the next development step Deliverables At the end of the project, I expect: 1. One working functional proof-of-concept 2. Recommended sensing architecture 3. Firmware and complete source code 4. Wiring / electronic architecture 5. Complete BOM with component references 6. Short demonstration video showing the prototype operating 7. Basic accuracy and repeatability test results where applicable 8. Identification of technical limitations discovered during testing 9. Recommendations for Phase 2 miniaturisation and product integration 10. All project-specific technical files created during the engagement Out of Scope This phase does not require: * Production-ready custom PCB * Final industrial design * Injection moulding * Manufacturing tooling * Production certification * Full mobile application * Cloud infrastructure * Mass-production setup * Final enclosure * Commercial packaging * Production firmware The goal is technical validation only. Confidentiality This project is confidential. Detailed product information, renders, research, design files, user interaction logic, and technical requirements will only be provided to shortlisted candidates after execution of an NDA. Applicants should not request confidential product details before the NDA is completed. The selected contractor must be comfortable working with confidential product-development information. Intellectual Property All project-specific work created specifically for this engagement must be transferred to the client upon payment, including where applicable: * Firmware * Source code * Schematics * Wiring diagrams * Technical documentation * Prototype-specific engineering files * Custom algorithms developed specifically for the project * Test documentation * Other project-specific work product The contractor must also agree not to publish, display, reuse, or disclose confidential project materials without written permission. Business Verification Preference will be given to: * Registered engineering companies * Embedded systems agencies * IoT development companies * Professionals operating through a registered business entity Please include: * Legal company / business name * Country of registration * Company registration number or VAT number where applicable * Company website * LinkedIn company page or professional profile * Name and role of the engineer who would actually work on the project The selected contractor should be able to issue an invoice through the registered business entity. Budget $350–$450 USD fixed price Target budget for this first technical validation phase: Approximately $400 USD This is intentionally a focused proof-of-concept, not full product development. A successful first phase may lead to additional paid work involving: * Custom PCB development * Electronics miniaturisation * Firmware refinement * BLE integration * Product integration * DFM * Manufacturing preparation * Additional IoT development Suggested Milestones Milestone 1 — $75–$100 Technical feasibility and architecture. Expected output: * Recommended sensing method * Proposed electronic architecture * Key component selection * Initial BOM * Technical risks / limitations * Confirmation that the proposed proof-of-concept is feasible Milestone 2 — $275–$350 Functional proof-of-concept. Expected output: * Working prototype * Firmware * Source files * Wiring / electronic documentation * Basic testing * Repeatability results where applicable * Demonstration video * Recommendations for the next development phase Milestone 2 should proceed only after approval of the technical approach proposed in Milestone 1. Ideal Experience Relevant experience may include: * Embedded systems * IoT hardware development * Sensor integration * ESP32 * STM32 * nRF52 * Arduino * Firmware development * Bluetooth Low Energy * Data logging * Physical product prototyping * Rapid electronics prototyping Experience developing real physical hardware, rather than software-only IoT systems, is especially important. When Applying Please include: 1. 1–3 examples of similar sensor-based or connected hardware prototypes you have developed 2. Your experience with embedded firmware and sensor integration 3. Your preferred platforms for rapid hardware prototyping 4. Your proposed fixed price 5. Your estimated delivery time 6. Confirmation that you can sign an NDA before receiving confidential information 7. Confirmation that you operate through a registered company or business entity 8. Legal company / business details 9. Who will actually perform the engineering work Please provide a short, specific proposal. Generic or copy-pasted applications will not be prioritised. I am looking for a practical engineering partner who can validate physical hardware quickly, document the work clearly, and avoid over-engineering the first phase.