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 for more information on what types of work authorizations are supported on Handshake AI.