ESP32 Embedded Hardware/Firmware Engineer for Commercial IoT Product

ESP32 Embedded Hardware/Firmware Engineer for Commercial IoT Product I'm looking for an experienced Embedded Systems Engineer to help me develop a simple, reliable IoT monitoring product. NOT interested in software agencies. I'm looking for an individual embedded systems engineer (or very small engineering firm) with hands-on experience designing custom ESP32-based hardware and firmware. A little about me. I own an industrial automation company and have spent most of my career designing products, improving manufacturing processes, and solving customer problems. Embedded electronics and firmware are not my specialty, so I'm looking for someone who can become a technical partner as we develop this product. This is not a venture-backed startup, and I'm not trying to build the next Ring or Nest. My goal is much simpler. I want to build a small business that develops reliable monitoring products that solve real problems for homeowners and eventually light commercial customers. If this business grows into a profitable company doing $500,000 per year with a handful of products and very little ongoing maintenance, I'll consider it a success. The Product Idea The first product will most likely be a Wi-Fi connected sump pump / high water monitor. The customer installs a float switch in their sump pit. If the water rises above a predetermined level, they receive a notification on their phone. Future products may include: • Power failure monitor • Water leak detector • Temperature monitor • Mailbox monitor • Garage door monitor The important point is that I don't want five completely different products. I'd like to build one basic hardware platform that can be reused with different sensors and firmware configurations. Customer Experience One of the biggest reasons I'm pursuing this project is because I believe existing products are unnecessarily difficult to install. My goal is for the customer to: • Download the mobile app • Plug in the device • Open the app • Connect the device using Bluetooth • Enter their Wi-Fi password • Begin receiving notifications • No browser setup pages. • No IP addresses. • No complicated networking. • If an average homeowner can't install it in five minutes, then we've made it too complicated. My Current Thinking I'm currently leaning toward using an ESP32-S3-WROOM module because it appears to provide everything needed for a product like this. That said, I'm hiring you because I want your opinion. If there is a better approach, I'd rather know now than after we've designed the hardware. What I'm Looking For I'm looking for someone who can help me develop the first generation hardware platform. That will likely include: • Hardware architecture recommendations • Schematic design • PCB layout • Component selection • Power management • Battery charging • Sensor interfaces • Embedded firmware • Prototype testing • Design recommendations for future manufacturing This should be a commercial-quality design—not a hobby project. What Success Looks Like At the end of this project, I'd like to have: • A completed schematic • PCB layout • Bill of Materials • Working embedded firmware • Prototype-ready hardware • Source code • Documentation explaining how everything works I'm not expecting a finished consumer product from this first engagement. My goal is to create a solid foundation that can evolve into a small family of products over the next several years. Long-Term Relationship If we work well together, I expect there will be additional work after this project. I'd much rather develop a long-term relationship with one engineer than hire someone different for every revision. I realize I don't have all of the answers, that's why I'm looking for an experienced engineer. I'm looking for someone who enjoys collaborating, asking good questions, and helping turn an idea into a well-designed product rather than simply completing a list of tasks.