Volunteer Embedded Hardware & IoT Developer
Rethink Australia Foundation Ltd is a youth-led environmental organisation empowering students and schools to drive sustainability through education, technology and community action.
As Rethink Australia develops Refugo and other technology-enabled sustainability initiatives, we are seeking an Embedded Hardware & IoT Developer to help design and build practical electronic prototypes using sensors, microcontrollers and single-board computers.
The volunteer will translate project requirements into safe, testable hardware concepts and functional prototypes. The initial focus will be low-voltage development using off-the-shelf components, with custom circuit board design considered where it provides a clear benefit. This is a hands-on technical role working with product design, software and program volunteers.
Key responsibilities
• Translate Refugo’s functional requirements into practical hardware concepts and prototype plans
• Recommend suitable sensors, microcontrollers, single-board computers and electronic components
• Build and test low-voltage prototypes using platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico, Arduino or ESP32
• Integrate sensors, displays, communications modules and other components
• Develop or adapt embedded software and firmware using appropriate languages and tools
• Create circuit diagrams, wiring documentation, bills of materials and assembly instructions
• Evaluate whether a custom printed circuit board is required and support schematic capture and PCB layout where appropriate
• Define power, connectivity, environmental, maintenance and enclosure requirements
• Collaborate with the 3D Product & Enclosure Designer to confirm dimensions, mounting, sensor exposure, ports, ventilation and cable management
• Test sensor performance, reliability, power use and component integration
• Identify technical risks, limitations and opportunities for prototype improvement
• Maintain organised source files, version history and technical documentation
• Follow agreed safety, purchasing, testing and approval processes before external deployment
About you
We are seeking a capable volunteer with professional, academic or practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Electronics or electrical engineering
• Embedded systems or firmware development
• Mechatronics, robotics or computer engineering
• IoT device development
• Circuit and PCB design
• Sensor integration and hardware prototyping
Experience with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, sensors, breadboards, soldering, circuit design, PCB tools, Python, C or C++ will be highly regarded.
You may be an experienced engineer, maker, technician, emerging practitioner, recent graduate or university student with a strong project portfolio. You should be able to solve practical technical problems, document work clearly, collaborate remotely and explain design decisions to people from different disciplines.
Applicants should provide examples of relevant hardware, electronics, robotics or IoT projects where available. Formal engineering qualifications are welcome but not essential where strong practical capability can be demonstrated.
The role will initially focus on low-voltage prototype development. It does not authorise work on mains electricity, hazardous installations, safety-critical systems or external deployment without appropriate review and approval.
Why volunteer with Rethink Australia?
This is an opportunity to help develop tangible environmental technology and contribute directly to the evolution of Refugo from concept to functional prototype.
Your work will help Rethink Australia explore how sensors, connected devices and thoughtfully designed hardware can support sustainability education and environmental action. The role offers a substantial real-world project, collaboration across hardware, product design and programs, and the opportunity to produce documented prototype work with lasting organisational value.
The role is primarily remote and flexible around professional or study commitments. Occasional agreed prototype assembly or testing sessions may be arranged in Sydney. An initial project period of up to six months is anticipated, requiring approximately three to five hours per week.
How to apply
Please apply through SEEK Volunteer and include a CV, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, GitHub profile or examples of relevant projects. Briefly describe your experience with embedded systems, sensors, circuit design, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, PCB development or hardware prototyping.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an introductory online conversation with representatives from Rethink Australia.