Embedded Systems Engineer (Hardware + Firmware) Part-Time Contractor
hace 2 días
Richardson
Job Description ⚡ Welcome to Ghost Founder If you're a tinkerer, builder, and engineering-backed hacker—we’re looking for you. Ghost Founder is the “Start-Up Grind For Hire.” Our promise: BREAKTHROUGHS, FAST. We work with visionary leaders—from startups to Fortune 500—to turn bold ideas into real, working systems. Not slide decks. Not concepts. Reality. We thrive in the messy middle: • Unclear specs, • Aggressive timelines The Role We’re looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer (Hardware + Firmware) to join us on a part-time contract basis. This role is hands-on and execution-focused. You’ll work across multiple fast-moving projects where progress matters more than perfection. Current work includes: • Sensor-rich embedded devices (IMU, GPS, temp, SD logging), • Wireless systems (LoRa, BLE, WiFi modules), • Reverse engineering PoE power systems and injectors What You’ll Do • Build embedded systems using ESP32, STM32, or similar platforms, • Integrate sensors (I2C, SPI, UART) and make them reliable in the real world, • Implement wireless connectivity (BLE, LoRa, WiFi modules), • Log and manage data (SD cards, onboard storage), • Reverse engineer and improve existing hardware systems, • Work on power systems (including PoE concepts and integration), • Develop motor control systems (PWM, feedback loops, basic control), • Create quick BOMs, source parts, and coordinate with suppliers, • 80/20 always — speed over perfection, • Build first, refine later, • Off-the-shelf beats custom (until it doesn’t), • Failure is expected — if you’re not failing, you’re not pushing hard enough, • Order parts before everything is fully figured out, • Prototype quickly to learn what actually matters, • Strong embedded C/C++ experience, • Experience with microcontrollers (ESP32, STM32, or similar), • Hands-on sensor integration experience, • Comfort debugging real hardware (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.), • Experience with BLE, LoRa, or WiFi modules, • Familiarity with power electronics or PoE systems, • Experience reverse engineering hardware, • Motor control / robotics / drone experience, • Experience taking a prototype into small-batch production, • Relationships with suppliers or fabricators, • You build things outside of work (non-negotiable), • You have a “we’ll figure it out” mentality, • You take ownership and push things forward, • You’re comfortable with ambiguity and changing direction, • You need detailed specs before starting, • You optimize before something works, • You want to stay strictly in firmware or hardware lanes, • You avoid failure or uncertainty, • Hardworking, fun-loving, • Independent yet team-oriented, • Creative and thoughtful, • Never too good to get your hands dirty, • Part-time contract role (with strong potential to grow into full-time), • Must be available during normal weekday working hours, • Must be within driving distance of Richardson, TX, • Work from home is fine—but:, • Must be able to come to the shop when needed, • Travel to shop is not paid, • Align on priorities (quick check-in or weekly plan), • Join a short team huddle, • Spend the rest of your time actually building:, • Writing firmware, • Integrating hardware, • Ordering parts, • Assembling prototypes What Success Looks Like • You turn unclear ideas into working systems quickly, • You unblock projects instead of waiting on them, • You ship prototypes clients can see, touch, and react to, • Competitive pay, • Direct communication with founder and clients, • Immediate impact—your work gets used, • No office politics, no endless meetings We can’t share everything publicly—but if you do a little digging, you’ll see the kind of work we do and the people we work with. ⚡ Join the Grind If this sounds like your kind of environment, apply. Important: Answer ALL screening questions in detail. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected. Company DescriptionWho Is Ghost Founder At Ghost Founder, we believe in the power of speed, innovation, and partnership. Our brand promise is BREAKTHROUGHS, FAST! Our mission is to help visionary leaders in Fortune 500 companies turn their boldest ideas into reality, with speed, accuracy, and creativity. We are the proof-of-concept prototyping experts, the ones who can bring your wildest ideas to life, in record time. We know that the road from idea to execution can be long, winding, and treacherous. That's why we have assembled a team of seasoned engineers, designers, and problem-solvers who thrive on challenge, ambiguity, and complexity. We don't just build prototypes, we solve problems. We don't just create assets, we inspire action. We don't just work for our clients, we work with them, as trusted partners and advisors.Who Is Ghost Founder\r\nAt Ghost Founder, we believe in the power of speed, innovation, and partnership. Our brand promise is BREAKTHROUGHS, FAST! Our mission is to help visionary leaders in Fortune 500 companies turn their boldest ideas into reality, with speed, accuracy, and creativity. We are the proof-of-concept prototyping experts, the ones who can bring your wildest ideas to life, in record time.\r\n\r\nWe know that the road from idea to execution can be long, winding, and treacherous. That's why we have assembled a team of seasoned engineers, designers, and problem-solvers who thrive on challenge, ambiguity, and complexity. We don't just build prototypes, we solve problems. We don't just create assets, we inspire action. We don't just work for our clients, we work with them, as trusted partners and advisors.