JoyBeam — Hardware Engineer: Custom PCB/SBC Design + Industrial Enclosure

About the project getjoybeam.com JoyBeam is an AI-powered ambient desk display that listens to room conversation and reacts in real time with contextually relevant memes, GIFs, and emojis. We're currently shipping on a commercial Android tablet. The next phase is replacing the off-the-shelf tablet with a purpose-built device — smaller form factor, lower BOM cost, and a custom enclosure designed for mass manufacturing. This engagement covers two tightly coupled deliverables: custom PCB/SBC design and full industrial design of the enclosure. What you'll build Hardware / PCB Custom PCB or SBC design to replace a 7" Android tablet — target display size ~4" or smaller Linux or lightweight OS preferred — sufficient compute for real-time AI inference at the edge or low-latency cloud calls USB-C power, WiFi, microphone input (always-on VAD support preferred) BOM target: must be manufacturable at competitive cost for a Kickstarter-priced consumer product (~$49–$79 retail) Industrial Design + Enclosure Full 3D enclosure design optimized for the custom PCB Desk-facing display orientation — upright, compact, minimal footprint Design files must be production-ready for ODM/Alibaba-based manufacturing at scale (1,000–10,000 unit runs) Deliverables: STEP/STL files, manufacturing-ready drawings, BOM recommendations, suggested ODM partners or tooling vendors a plus Hard requirements Prior consumer hardware shipped to market — show me the product, not just renders Experience with Alibaba/ODM manufacturing pipeline (tooling, DFM review, vendor communication) Able to produce Gerber files, BOMs, and enclosure drawings independently — no hand-holding on tooling or file formats NDA required before detailed briefing Nice to have Experience with Linux or lightweight embedded OS on custom hardware Prior Kickstarter or crowdfunded hardware project Familiarity with always-on microphone / VAD hardware design Engagement structure Fixed-price. Budget range: $5,000–$10,000 depending on scope and your proposed phasing. I'm open to a paid discovery/scoping phase (Phase 1) before committing to full production files (Phase 2) — propose what makes sense given your process. Timeline is flexible but Kickstarter launch is summer target — hardware files need to be in hand before then. To apply, include: A product you shipped — photo or link, with your specific role on the hardware side One example of a PCB or enclosure you designed for ODM/Alibaba manufacturing How you'd phase this engagement and your proposed fixed-price breakdown Your honest assessment of the BOM challenge at the retail price point I described Applications without prior shipped hardware will not be reviewed.