Volunteer Position: Hardware Integration Engineer

Overview

The Loop Roots Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to supporting justice-impacted families through transportation, therapy, and technology-driven programs. Our mission is to remove the physical, financial, and emotional barriers that prevent families from maintaining meaningful connections with incarcerated loved ones, accessing mental health care, or navigating reentry. Founded in 2025, the Loop Roots Foundation operates nationally, with an initial focus on underserved communities in Maryland, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, California, and Virginia.

All of our programs are offered without discrimination to build a truly supportive ecosystem for families across the U.S.

Organization Loop Roots Foundation (in partnership with Loop Troop Inc.)

Location Remote / Hybrid (collaboration via video and shared design platforms)

Commitment 10–15 hours per week (Volunteer – MVP Phase)

Loop Roots Foundation is seeking a Hardware Integration Engineer to assist with the development and testing of the Loop Troop in-car vending system
, which allows riders to purchase snacks and essentials directly from vehicles. This role focuses on building, testing, and refining hardware prototypes
, including sensors, vending mechanisms, and connectivity systems that link the vending unit to the Loop Troop mobile app and Loop Locker hubs.

• Collaborate with the product and software teams to design and prototype the in-car vending machine hardware.
• Assist in selecting and testing sensors, microcontrollers, and vending components.
• Support hardware-software integration with the app (QR code/PIN unlocking, payment trigger).
• Help design safe, compact layouts suitable for vehicle installation.
• Participate in testing cycles for power, connectivity, and inventory sensors.
• Provide documentation for the final MVP hardware build.

• Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar microcontrollers.
• Knowledge of IoT (Internet of Things) systems and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with electrical prototyping, sensor configuration, and data transmission (Bluetooth, WiFi).
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Background in mechanical or electrical engineering preferred but not required.

• Real-world hardware engineering experience in a social impact tech startup.
• Portfolio and resume credit for an innovative smart vending + mobility system.
• Potential for a paid contract role after MVP launch.

Please send your resume, Linked In, or portfolio link to

info

Subject “Hardware Integration Engineer – In-Car Vending System”