Volunteer Position: Hardware Integration Engineer

About the role

LoopRoots Foundation is seeking a Hardware Integration Engineer to assist with the development and testing of the LoopTroop in-car vending system, which allows riders to purchase snacks and essentials directly from vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the product and software teams to design and prototype the in-car vending machine hardware.
• Aid 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.

Ideal Skills

• 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.

What You’ll Gain

• 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.