KiCad Embedded Hardware Engineer Needed for Compact nRF52840 BLE Smart Sports Sensor PCB

Posted 3 weeks ago

Only freelancers located in the U.S. may apply.U.S. located freelancers only

Summary

Use this as the short job-post description, then attach the tech spec and images below it. I’m looking for an expert KiCad embedded hardware engineer to design a compact PCB for a smart pickleball paddle insert. The device sits inside a paddle handle, captures motion plus grip-pressure data, and sends data to a mobile app over Bluetooth Low Energy. I already have a concept layout, preferred parts, dimensions, images, and a detailed technical spec. This job is Phase 1 only: PCB and electronics design plus manufacturing files. Enclosure and casing design will be handled later in Phase 2 unless quoted separately. Core design includes an nRF52840 BLE module, ICM-42688-P IMU over SPI, single-cell LiPo battery, USB-C charging, two FSR pressure-sensor inputs, SWD programming and test access, and PCBA-ready manufacturing outputs. The board must fit inside an internal envelope of 10 mm thick × 20 mm wide × 80 mm long, with a bottom-facing USB-C port positioned for cable access. BLE antenna keep-out, battery placement, stack-up, FSR wire exit, and future enclosure handoff are important. Deliverables should include KiCad source files, schematic, PCB layout, BOM, pick-and-place, Gerbers, drill files, assembly notes, firmware pin map, STEP export of PCB assembly, and notes for a future enclosure designer. Ideal experience: - Compact BLE / nRF52840 hardware - KiCad PCB design - Battery-powered embedded devices - RF antenna keep-out and placement - PCBA manufacturing with JLCPCB, PCBWay, or similar Please include examples of similar BLE, wearable, or sensor boards you have designed, especially any using nRF52/nRF52840 modules, LiPo charging, and small IMU parts. I would like to begin with a paid architecture/component review before continuing into full schematic and PCB layout.

  • $2,500.00

    Fixed-price
  • Expert
    Experience Level
  • Remote Job
  • Ongoing project
    Project Type

Contract-to-hire opportunity

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Skills and Expertise
Mandatory skills
KiCad
Bluetooth
PCB Design
Activity on this job
  • Proposals:Less than 5
  • Last viewed by client:3 weeks ago
  • Interviewing:
    0
  • Invites sent:
    30
  • Unanswered invites:
    3
About the client
Member since Jun 12, 2026
  • United States
    10:26 AM
  • Retail & Consumer Goods
    Small company (2-9 people)

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