About the Role
Peytec is looking for a practical, hands-on Embedded Linux and Industrial IoT professional to take ownership of the software and technical preparation of our industrial reader systems.
The current system is based on BeagleBone Black, Linux, and Python. It connects to proprietary wireless modules and includes serial communication, relay control, Ethernet, internet connectivity, local configuration, and cloud communication.
The selected person will first assess, stabilize, document, and improve the existing system. After the initial setup is complete, they will prepare additional readers on an as-needed basis. Production volumes are currently low and irregular, typically a small number of units at a time, so this is not a full-time position.
This role is best suited for an independent contractor or consultant who is comfortable working with both software and physical hardware.
Responsibilities
- Review and understand the existing Python and BeagleBone Black software
- Diagnose and resolve software, communication, and compatibility issues
- Configure and troubleshoot Linux-based embedded systems
- Maintain serial communication with proprietary wireless modules
- Configure relay control, GPIO, Ethernet, internet, and cloud connectivity
- Improve system reliability, logging, startup, monitoring, and automatic recovery
- Create a stable software image and repeatable provisioning process
- Assemble, configure, test, and prepare new readers as required
- Install software and device-specific configurations
- Test wireless communication, relay operation, networking, and cloud connectivity
- Document system architecture, wiring, software installation, and testing procedures
- Maintain source code, configuration files, release versions, and technical documentation
- Recommend improvements to the current hardware and software platform
- Support future migration to a newer embedded or industrial computing platform
- Provide occasional troubleshooting and field support when required
Required Qualifications
- Strong Python programming experience
- Hands-on experience with embedded Linux
- Experience with BeagleBone Black, Raspberry Pi, industrial computers, or similar platforms
- Experience with Linux services, systemd, networking, permissions, logging, and process management
- Experience with UART, USB serial, RS-232, RS-485, GPIO, or relay control
- Experience troubleshooting serial communication, packet loss, framing, timing, and connectivity issues
- Understanding of Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, REST APIs, MQTT, and cloud-connected devices
- Ability to work with wiring diagrams, datasheets, connectors, relays, power supplies, and electronic components
- Ability to assemble, configure, and test physical hardware
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of the complete system
- Ability to produce clear technical documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with industrial IoT gateways or middleware
- Experience with mining, manufacturing, logistics, or industrial automation
- Experience with C or C++
- Experience with Debian, Ubuntu, Yocto, or Buildroot
- Experience with Modbus, CAN bus, OPC UA, or other industrial protocols
- Experience with AWS, Azure, or other cloud platforms
- Experience with remote device management and over-the-air updates
- Experience with watchdogs, fail-safe systems, and automated recovery
- Experience modernizing legacy embedded systems
Initial Project
The first phase of the engagement will include:
- Reviewing the current hardware and software
- Reproducing and diagnosing existing problems
- Stabilizing the current reader
- Creating a working reference unit
- Improving or rebuilding the software installation process
- Creating a standard software image
- Developing a reader configuration and testing procedure
- Documenting the system
- Recommending whether the BeagleBone Black should be retained or replaced
Ongoing Work
After the initial project, the selected contractor will be contacted as readers are required. Typical work may include preparing two or three readers at a time.
Ongoing tasks may include:
- Hardware assembly and inspection
- Software installation
- Device configuration
- Relay and communication testing
- Internet and cloud connectivity testing
- Final quality-control testing
- Packaging and delivery preparation
- Occasional software updates and troubleshooting
This is an on-demand engagement with no guaranteed minimum number of hours. The selected person must be able to securely store or access the necessary hardware and attend occasional in-person sessions in Toronto or Montreal.
Ideal Candidate
You are someone who can move comfortably between Python code, Linux configuration, wiring, serial communication, relays, networking, and physical hardware.
You do not only write software. You can receive a box of components, assemble the system, install the software, test it, identify problems, and deliver a working reader.
You are organized, dependable, and comfortable taking ownership of an existing system that may have incomplete documentation.
Compensation
Compensation will be based on experience and may include:
- A fixed fee or milestone-based fee for the initial project
- Hourly or per-unit compensation for ongoing reader preparation
- Separate hourly compensation for troubleshooting or software development
Applicants should include their expected hourly rate or project rate.
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and briefly describe:
- Your experience with Python and embedded Linux
- Your experience with BeagleBone Black or similar hardware
- Your experience with serial communication and relay control
- A similar IoT or embedded system you have worked on
- Your ability to perform physical hardware assembly and testing
- Your location
- Your availability
- Your expected hourly or project rate
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to participate in a technical interview and complete a small paid assessment using a sample reader.
Pay: $40.00-$60.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4V1
