Prototype Designer & Hardware Engineer needed for Innovative Cooling Baseball Cap

Prototype Designer & Hardware Engineer for Innovative Cooling Baseball Cap **Project Overview:** We are seeking an experienced product designer, hardware developer, or soft-goods engineer to help build a functional prototype of an innovative, solar-powered cooling baseball cap. The product combines active airflow (solar-powered mini fan) with a modular thermal cooling framework and reusable coolant packs. **Scope of Work:** We need hands-on assistance to take our design concept from a preliminary blueprint to a working, wearable prototype. The ideal candidate will have experience bridging soft-goods/apparel design with small-scale consumer electronics and thermal management. **Key Deliverables:** 1. **Mechanical & Electronic Integration:** Source, integrate, and wire a lightweight, low-profile solar panel and a compact, quiet DC fan into a standard baseball cap structure (ensuring proper airflow channels into the inner cage). 2. **Thermal Framework Integration:** Design or modify an internal structural lining/cage that safely houses optional integrated coolant elements or slots for modular, reusable coolant packs without adding uncomfortable bulk or weight. 3. **Prototype Assembly:** Build at least 1–2 fully functioning physical prototypes that can be tested for comfort, weight distribution, durability, and airflow performance. 4. **Manufacturing Handoff Package:** Provide basic CAD files, component sourcing lists (BOM - Bill of Materials), and assembly notes suitable for moving from prototype to small-batch manufacturing. **Required Skills & Experience:** * **Product Design & Prototyping:** Proven experience taking consumer products from concept to physical prototype. * **Electronics & Hardware:** Familiarity with micro-solar panels, miniature low-voltage DC fans, wiring, and lightweight power distribution. * **Apparel / Soft-Goods Knowledge:** Understanding of sewing, cap construction, lightweight technical fabrics, and comfortable internal head-framing. * **CAD & Technical Documentation:** Ability to provide clear 3D models or assembly schematics. **Budget:** * **Fixed Price:** $1,500 – $3,000 (Project-based, structured with milestone payments tied to deliverables like sourcing/design, initial build, and final prototype delivery). **To Apply:** Please share examples of past physical product prototypes you have built, particularly any consumer electronics, wearable tech, or apparel/soft-goods projects you have worked on.