Hardware Engineer - AI Trainer

Opportunity Overview

Handshake is looking for skilled KiCad users to support AI research through flexible, hourly contract work. This is not a traditional job. You'll draw on your hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, or embedded hardware design to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI better understand electronics design tasks and EDA workflows.

This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity you can take on alongside anything else you have going on.

Who This Is For

This is a good fit if you're an experienced KiCad user who has worked in or around roles like:

• Hardware Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer

• PCB Designer or Electronics Technician

• IoT Developer or Circuit Design Engineer

You should have solid experience with one or more of the following:

• Schematic capture, PCB layout, or embedded hardware design using KiCad or LibrePCB

• IoT hardware design, embedded systems, or EDA tool workflows

• Annotating or labeling circuit schematics and PCB design assets

• Reviewing PCB designs for accuracy, performance, or design consistency

What You'll Do

You'll use your experience with KiCad to create tool-related questions and review AI-generated responses for accuracy and relevance to real-world hardware engineering and PCB design workflows.

No prior AI or technical experience is required.

Qualifications

We're looking for people who have

• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with KiCad, whether through professional work or freelance projects. Experience with LibrePCB is a plus

• A working knowledge of schematic capture, PCB layout concepts, and EDA workflows

• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail

• The ability to work independently and follow written guidelines

Work Model and Project Details

• Status: Independent contractor (not a full-time employee role)

• Location: Fully remote; work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop or laptop computer

• Schedule: Flexible and asynchronous, with no minimum hour requirement. Many contributors work approximately 5–20 hours per week when assigned to an active project

• Duration: The Handshake AI program runs year-round, with projects opening periodically across different areas of expertise. Placement depends on current project needs, with opportunities to be considered for future projects as they become available

Application Process

• Create a Handshake account

• Upload your resume and submit your portfolio

• Verify your identity

• Get matched and onboarded into relevant projects

• Start working and earning

Work Authorization

Must be currently residing in the United States.

F-1 students who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects on Handshake AI. Work with your Designated School Official to determine your eligibility. If your school requires a CPT course, Handshake AI may not meet your school's requirements. STEM OPT is not supported. See our Help Center article https://support.joinhandshake.com/hc/en-us/articles/32245223383703-Fellowship-Work-Authorization-Eligibility for more information on what types of work authorizations are supported on Handshake AI.