NOTE: I could do this project for around 6pounds/hr. The platform doesnt allow me to go below 10.
TL;DR: Just as a proof of commitment, I could give you drafts for both, the BOM and overall system design, for free. Read further, if interested.
Good day. I have plenty of experience designing hardware and software for MCU-based embedded systems. I've worked at Freescale Semiconductors for half a decade as an engineer. I've worked with several arm-based microcontrollers (NXP, Atmel (now Microchip) and STs families) and, lately, with the esp8266 and esp32 family of microcontroller.
I'd need more information regarding the exact specifications of the project, as well as your expected timetable. However, I have designed similar projects before and in less than a month we could have a final prototype, taking into account a long enough testing phase.
Regarding payment,of course, none is required before a proof of work (PCB design ,schematics and other related documentation). This last part is my usual policy, however I don't know how Freelancer.com handles payments per hour.
Most of my PCB designs are done on kicad and eagle, sometimes Altium. If there's a preference, we could talk about that.
I'd find quite useful for the both of us, if you'd find the time to talk a bit further regarding your project's requirements.