PCB Designer & Embedded Systems Engineer

BOSApps builds software and connected products that solve practical business problems. We are exploring a family of Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices that can be managed locally without depending on a cloud service, while also supporting optional cloud-based monitoring and control.

We are looking for an experienced PCB designer and embedded systems engineer, or a small engineering team, to help design and prototype PoE-powered devices. The initial product concepts are a TV digital-signage player and an environmental sensor. We want a repeatable hardware and software foundation that can be adapted for additional connected devices over time.

Design the hardware and help define the embedded software architecture for a compact player that connects to a television or display through HDMI. It should be powered over Ethernet where practical and support:

• Playing digital-signage content on a connected TV or monitor.
• Communication with local servers and management from a phone or computer on the same network.
• Optional cloud-based control for remote configuration, content management, monitoring, and software updates.
• Secure over-the-air software updates, with a documented recovery path if an update fails.
• A practical path to production, including suitable compute module or system-on-module options if a fully custom board is not the best approach.

Linux is preferred where it meets the product requirements, but Android is acceptable if it is a better fit for the hardware, media playback, and update requirements. We are open to advice on the most reliable and cost-effective architecture.

Design a network-connected sensor device powered by Ethernet. The initial measurements should include:

• Temperature.
• Relative humidity.
• An extensible design for additional sensors, potentially including CO₂, VOCs, particulate matter, and barometric pressure, depending on cost and feasibility.

The device should expose readings and configuration through its local web interface and API, and support sending readings to a local server. Cloud reporting may be available as an optional feature. The design should consider sensor accuracy, calibration, enclosure airflow, heat from the electronics, and long-term reliability.

• Develop the hardware architecture and recommend appropriate PoE power circuitry and Ethernet components.
• Create schematics, PCB layouts, and production-ready design files.
• Select suitable processors, compute modules, memory, connectors, sensors, and other components.
• Design for manufacturability, thermal performance, electrical safety, reliability, and reasonable production cost.
• Define secure device provisioning, authentication, network configuration, and signed or otherwise securely validated OTA updates.
• Build prototypes, bring up and debug the boards, and document test results.
• Prepare the bill of materials (BOM), pick-and-place files, Gerbers or equivalent fabrication outputs, assembly drawings, test procedures, and manufacturing handoff documentation.
• Advise on component availability, production testing, certification requirements, and the best path from prototype to a manufacturable product.

• Demonstrated experience designing and releasing custom PCBs.
• Practical experience with Ethernet-connected embedded devices and PoE power design, including relevant IEEE 802.3 PoE standards and power budgets.
• Experience selecting embedded processors or compute modules and integrating Ethernet, power management, and peripheral interfaces.
• Ability to troubleshoot prototypes using appropriate lab equipment and communicate findings clearly.
• Familiarity with design-for-manufacturing, BOM cost control, component sourcing, and PCB assembly workflows.
• Strong documentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical trade-offs to a product team.

• Embedded Linux, Android, or other embedded operating systems.
• Local web applications and HTTP APIs hosted directly on a device.
• Secure remote management and OTA update systems.
• HDMI video output and digital-signage or media-player products.
• Temperature, humidity, air-quality sensors, calibration, and enclosure design.
• Ethernet networking, DHCP, device discovery, and operation on isolated LANs or VLANs.
• Experience taking an electronics product from prototype through contract manufacturing and production testing.

The initial engagement is expected to include:

• A proposed architecture for the signage player and…