Capabilities

Engineering design packages

Four defined service types covering everything from focused engineering assessments to complete physical system development, with pricing structured around the work required.

PCB

Schematic capture and layout

Two-layer through multi-layer HDI, DFM-vetted before release.

FW

Embedded firmware

Bare-metal and RTOS control loops on ESP32, STM32 and equivalents.

SYS

Physical systems

Mechanisms and actuators that have to survive something other than a bench.

TEST

Instrumentation

Purpose-built test rigs and measurement hardware for your own product.

01

Design Review & Engineering Audit

$500 – $950Fixed Fee

Entry point. The lowest-friction way to start working together.

A focused engineering review of an existing design to identify technical risks, design issues, manufacturability concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

Includes
  • Schematic review
  • PCB / layout review
  • Bill of Materials (BOM) review
  • Design-for-manufacturing review
  • Optional engineering review call
  • Fast turnaround
02

Feasibility & Architecture Study

$1,000 – $2,500Fixed Fee

Best for turning an idea into an engineering plan.

An early-stage technical assessment designed to determine how a physical system could be built before significant development resources are committed.

Includes
  • Requirements review
  • System architecture
  • Component and technology research
  • Preliminary power analysis
  • Technical constraints and risk identification
  • Recommended development approach
  • Preliminary bill of materials where appropriate
03

System Design Services

$75/hrHourly

Best for clients who need help designing or developing a new part of their physical system.

Flexible engineering support for clients who need electrical, embedded, or physical-system development without committing to a predefined package.

Includes
  • Electrical system architecture
  • Circuit and schematic design
  • PCB design and layout
  • Power system design
  • Component selection
  • Sensors and actuators
  • Microcontroller integration
  • Embedded firmware
  • Design-for-manufacturing
04

Prototype Development

$75/hr + MaterialsHourly

Best for turning an idea into a physical system you can touch.

Development and integration of functional physical prototypes, from individual subsystems to complete working assemblies.

Includes
  • Prototype electrical systems
  • PCB fabrication coordination
  • Hardware assembly
  • Sensor and actuator integration
  • Embedded firmware bring-up
  • Wiring and interconnects
  • Hardware debugging
  • System integration
  • Prototype iteration
  • Bench testing
05

Engineering Support

$75/hrHourly

Best for clients who already have a system or product and need help solving an engineering problem.

On-demand engineering support for existing products, prototypes, and physical systems that need troubleshooting, modifications, or additional technical capacity.

Includes
  • Hardware debugging
  • Troubleshooting
  • PCB revisions
  • Firmware modifications
  • Component substitutions
  • BOM updates
  • Production issues
  • Testing and validation
  • Design improvements
06

Engineering Retainer

From $700/moMonthly

Best for teams that need reliable, recurring engineering capacity without the cost of a full-time hire.

Ongoing access to Project Blue Bird for teams that need consistent engineering support without hiring another full-time engineer. Available at 10 hours/month ($700), 25 hours/month ($1,625), or a custom arrangement.

Includes
  • Hardware development
  • Firmware updates
  • PCB revisions
  • Debugging
  • Component research
  • Prototype support
  • Production support
  • Testing
  • Technical documentation
  • Next-generation product development
07

Other Engineering Services

Let's scope itCustom

Best for clients who are not sure which package to choose.

Not every problem fits a package. If you are not sure where your project lands, get in touch and we will work out the right shape for it together.

Includes
  • Tell us what you are building
  • We scope it with you
  • You get a fixed quote or an hourly estimate

Pricing reflects the scope and complexity of the engineering work. A clear quote or estimate follows a short scoping call.

Four steps, no surprises

01

Discovery Call

A short conversation to understand what you are building, what problem you are solving, and what kind of engineering support you need. We will determine the appropriate scope and engagement type.

02

Scope & Quote

A clear written scope outlining the work, deliverables, timeline, and pricing. Fixed-fee work receives a fixed quote; hourly projects receive an estimated scope and engineering-hour range.

03

Design & Development

Engineering begins. Depending on the project, this may include system architecture, circuit design, PCB development, firmware, prototyping, testing, or integration. You will stay involved at key review points.

04

Handoff & Next Steps

You receive the agreed-upon deliverables and documentation needed to move the project forward. Where appropriate, Blue Bird can continue supporting the system through prototyping, manufacturing, or future development.

Start with an audit.

$500–$950 gets your existing design reviewed by an engineer. A low-risk way to identify problems and determine the right next step.

Request an audit →See the work