Frequently Asked Questions

Every applicant completes a structured intake covering education, work history, projects, and skills, and an engineer reviews the full submission before a profile goes live. The Level (LV) score summarizes that record. Credentials and licenses on a profile are as reported by the specialist; if one matters for your project (a PE stamp, ISO 13485 audit experience), ask and we will confirm it before the engagement starts.

For common disciplines (firmware, EE, mechanical) we aim to present qualified candidates within 48-72 hours. Niche specialties (IEC 60601 regulatory, optical design, fuel cell systems) can take 1-2 weeks. If the need is urgent, say so and we will prioritize it.

Most engagements are project-scoped with defined deliverables, timelines, and milestones. We draft a Statement of Work (SOW) that covers scope, payment terms, IP assignment, and acceptance criteria. Engagements typically range from 4-week sprints to 6-month development cycles. We also offer fractional retainers for ongoing advisory work.

Most engagements are scoped to defined deliverables and milestones, and every profile shows an hourly band so you can budget before you talk to us. Pricing depends on specialist level, project complexity and timeline, and every quote is itemized up front with no hidden fees.

Every engagement includes an NDA and IP assignment agreement as standard. We use mutual NDAs for initial discussions and full IP assignment clauses in our SOWs. All intellectual property created during the engagement belongs to you. We take IP protection seriously -- it is built into our governance model, not an afterthought.

We stand behind our matching. If a specialist is not meeting expectations in the first two weeks, tell us and we will either course-correct with them or bring in a replacement. Our goal is successful project delivery, not just filling a seat.

Start with the intake form at talentbadger.com/apply. It takes about 15 minutes, less if you upload a resume for auto-fill. An engineer reviews every submission, and if it meets the bar we publish your profile and email you a link to manage it.

We welcome specialists across all product development disciplines: electrical engineering, firmware/embedded, mechanical engineering, software, industrial design, controls/automation, biomedical engineering, regulatory/quality, project management, test engineering, and more. While our client-facing work skews toward hard-tech, our talent ecosystem values breadth.

Your LV score is calculated from your education, certifications, work history, project portfolio, and skill assessments. It ranges from LV 1 (Apprentice) to LV 30+ (Distinguished). The score reflects depth and breadth of the record, not just years of experience. You can raise your LV by adding projects, certifications, and skills to your profile over time.

Yes. You can choose between Public mode (real name displayed) or Stealth mode (anonymized alias, employer names redacted). Stealth mode lets you be discoverable without revealing your identity until you choose to engage. You can switch modes anytime from your portal.

Freelance platforms optimize for volume and speed -- anyone can sign up, post a job, and start working. We optimize for quality and trust. Every specialist is vetted. Every engagement has governance (NDAs, SOWs, milestone tracking). We focus exclusively on product development, not web design or virtual assistance. Think of us as a curated network, not a marketplace.

Our specialists have deep experience across medical devices, industrial controls, IoT/connected products, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, energy systems, and agricultural technology. We are strongest in regulated industries where engineering quality directly impacts safety and compliance.

Talent Badger is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates alongside Kyros Engineering. Specialists work remotely from across the U.S. and internationally, and on-site where a project needs it.