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Freelance Automotive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

We offer freelance opportunities strictly on an independent contractor basis.* For one of our ... automotive and energy technology space, we are currently looking for an Electrical Hardware ...

... Engineer for automotive website startup: Local automotive-focused start-up is seeking freelance web designer/developer/engineer who can use our completed wireframe design set to build a "deals" based ...

Communications Manager

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $119K/yr

... optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle ... Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding ...

... optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle ... Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding ...

... optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle ... Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding ...

We're a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops ... Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production ...

We work in close partnership with product and engineering to deliver best-in-class interactions ... automotive, wearables, consumer electronics, smart home, robotics) not purely app- or web-only ...

We work in close partnership with product and engineering to deliver best-in-class interactions ... automotive, wearables, consumer electronics, smart home, robotics) not purely app- or web-only ...

Freelance Automotive Engineer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance automotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance automotive engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for freelance automotive engineers?

There is steady demand for freelance automotive engineers, especially those with expertise in electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and CAD software. Opportunities are often found in consulting, product development, and testing, with clients seeking specialized skills on a project basis.

What is the difference between Freelance Automotive Engineer vs Automotive Designer?

AspectFreelance Automotive EngineerAutomotive Designer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in automotive engineeringDesign or art degree, portfolio of vehicle concepts
Work EnvironmentProject-based, client sites, or remote engineering tasksDesign studios, automotive companies, or freelance projects
Industry UsageDevelops vehicle systems, prototypes, and technical solutionsCreates vehicle aesthetics, interior/exterior concepts

Freelance Automotive Engineers focus on technical development, prototypes, and engineering solutions, often working on vehicle performance and safety. Automotive Designers concentrate on vehicle aesthetics and user experience, creating visual concepts and styling. Both roles may collaborate but serve different aspects of vehicle development.

More about Freelance Automotive Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Automotive Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Automotive Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Automotive Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Automotive Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Automotive Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Automotive Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Automotive Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Toptal

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Toptal is an exclusive network of the world's top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, marketing professionals, product managers, and project managers. We offer freelance opportunities strictly on an independent contractor basis.*


For one of our clients in the automotive and energy technology space, we are currently looking for an Electrical Hardware Engineer to lead the electrical architecture and hardware development of next-generation energy storage solutions, including battery and fuel cell systems. In this role, you'll own the design and integration of electrical subsystems, collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams, and contribute to products from concept through validation and regulatory compliance.


Key requirements:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in electrical hardware design and development
  • Experience with battery systems, battery management systems (BMS), energy storage, or fuel cell applications
  • Strong background in electrical circuit design, schematic capture, PCB development, and simulation tools such as SPICE
  • Hands-on experience with Altium, OrCAD, or similar electrical CAD tools
  • Experience designing embedded hardware with CAN and/or Ethernet communication interfaces
  • Knowledge of electrical design standards and regulatory compliance, including UL, IPC, and IEC
  • Experience developing prototypes, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing designs for manufacturability


Engagement Highlights:

  • Long-term contract opportunity (12+ months) with potential for full-time conversion
  • Hybrid engagement requiring on-site collaboration in Rochester, NY, 3 days per week
  • Preferred commitment of 40 hours per week


If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to apply.


*Please note that we are unable to support C2C (Corp-to-Corp), C2H (Contract-to-Hire), or engagements through third-party employers.