Hardware Engineer for AI-Powered Voice Device Prototype

Project OverviewWe are seeking a hardware engineer to develop an AI powered, voice only conversational prototype device designed for users with severe mobility impairments. These users are unable to move their hands or legs and rely solely on voice for interaction. Our existing software platform enables healthcare professionals to conduct intelligent, AI guided, voice only conversations that enhance user engagement and care outcomes. The objective of this project is to design and build the dedicated hardware device and seamlessly integrate it with our existing software infrastructure.Role OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Hardware Systems Engineer to lead the design, prototyping, and production of our voice device. This role will bridge our existing software platform with a hardware prototype, creating a good user-experience through voice interaction. Primary Objectives• Design and deliver a production-ready medical device integrated with the existing voice AI platform. • Develop hardware capable of visually conveying emotional states through edge-lit acrylic panels and RGB LED feedback.• Ensure forward compatibility with medical device compliance standards (IEC 60601 1) and HIPAA data privacy requirements, even though HIPAA compliance is not required at this stage. • Engineer the device for high durability and easy sanitization. • Optimize audio pipelines and leverage hardware acceleration to achieve zero perceived latency in all voice interactions. Key DeliverablesMilestone 1: Discovery & Architecture (Weeks 0-6)• System Architecture Document: Hardware component selection, data flow diagrams, power budgets• Bill of Materials (BOM): Component sourcing with bolthires analysis and supplier qualification• Integration Specification: Firmware-to-software API contracts, state machine mappingMilestone 2: EVT - Engineering Validation Test (Weeks 2)• Functional Prototype: First working unit demonstrating core features• Electrical Design: PCB schematics, power distribution, signal integrity analysis• Mechanical Design: 3D CAD models (enclosure, mounting, thermal management)• Firmware Foundation: Boot sequence, device drivers, state machine implementation• Integration Testing: Verify software platform connectivity and basic workflowsMilestone 3: DVT - Design Validation Test (Weeks 3)• Form-Factor Prototype: Production-intent industrial design with UX validation• Compliance Testing Plan: IEC 60601-1 safety, EMC/EMI, ingress protection (IP rating)• Prototype Units: 1-2 units for beta testing• Manufacturing Process: Assembly procedures, test fixtures, quality control protocols• Reliability Testing: MTBF analysis, environmental stress testing, drop/durability testsMilestone 4: PVT - Production Validation Test (Weeks 4)• Deployment Kit: Installation guides, training materials, support documentation• Handoff to Client Office: Courier the product to UK OfficePayment Milestone:Payment in 3 milestones:• Upon initial development [Upon achieving milestone-2]• After successful remote testing [Upon achieving milestone-3]• Upon receipt of the device in the UK [Upon achieving milestone-4]• Additional Reimbursement for hardware costs (you may purchase your own components) Apply tot his job