1

Freelance Gear Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer II - Trade Tool NPD INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration and a variety of machine element design.

Design Engineer II - Trade Tool NPD INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration and a variety of machine element design.

Test Engineering/Analysis, Gear Manufacturing Analysis/Planning, Product Design/Development, Program/Launch Management. * Strong mechanical aptitude. * Working knowledge of AutoCAD 2D and 3D for ...

Design Engineer II Design Engineer II - Power Tools NPD INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise andvibrationand a variety of machine element design.

Design Engineer II - Product Support Engineering INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration, and a variety of machine element design

Design Engineer II - Product Support Engineering INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration, and a variety of machine element design

Design Engineer Design EngineerI-Electrical/Plumbing Development (P&E) INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES ... gear design, statics and dynamics, noise andvibrationand a variety of machine element design.

Design Engineer

Muskego, WI · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

Design Engineer

Muskego, WI · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

Design Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Landing gear * Hydraulics * Structural assessments * Weight assessments * Integration * Propulsion Experience: * Need experienced Design Engineers (level III at a minimum). * focus on Designers

Timken Gears and Services - Philadelphia Gear has a current opening for a Design Engineer. The Design Engineer designs and analyzes gear drive systems and components for Industrial and Marine ...

Timken Gears and Services - Philadelphia Gear has a current opening for a Design Engineer. The Design Engineer designs and analyzes gear drive systems and components for Industrial and Marine ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Gear Design Engineer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance gear design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance gear design 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.

What does a freelance gear design engineer do?

A Freelance Gear Design Engineer specializes in designing gears and gear systems for various mechanical applications, such as automotive, industrial machinery, and robotics. They work independently with clients to create precise gear specifications, perform calculations, model gears using CAD software, and ensure the designs meet performance and durability requirements. Their responsibilities also include collaborating with other engineers, providing technical documentation, and sometimes overseeing prototype fabrication or testing. Freelance Gear Design Engineers offer flexibility and expertise to companies needing specialized gear solutions without hiring a full-time engineer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance gear design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Gear Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, expertise in gear design principles, and experience with CAD software, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with tools like SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, and gear calculation software, as well as familiarity with industry standards such as AGMA or ISO, is typically required. Strong project management, client communication, and problem-solving skills help you excel in delivering custom solutions and managing diverse projects independently. These skills are essential for producing precise, reliable designs that meet client specifications and industry standards in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges freelance gear design engineers face when collaborating with clients remotely?

Freelance gear design engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning on technical requirements, managing communication across time zones, and ensuring secure exchange of proprietary design files. It’s important to establish clear project milestones, use reliable collaboration tools for sharing CAD models, and maintain regular check-ins with clients to address feedback promptly. Building strong documentation habits and proactively clarifying expectations can help smooth the remote collaboration process and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance Gear Design Engineer vs Mechanical Gear Designer?

AspectFreelance Gear Design EngineerMechanical Gear Designer
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications often freelance or self-taughtTypically holds a degree in mechanical engineering, with specialized gear design certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteEmployed by companies, design departments, or manufacturing firms
Industry UsageFreelance consulting, custom projects, small businessesIn-house design teams, manufacturing, industrial sectors
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance gear design services or contractorsSeeking in-house or full-time gear design roles

In summary, a Freelance Gear Design Engineer works independently on custom projects, often remotely, while a Mechanical Gear Designer is typically employed full-time within a company’s design team. Both roles require engineering knowledge, but their work settings and employment types differ significantly.

More about Freelance Gear Design Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Gear Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Gear Design Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Gear Design Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Gear Design Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Gear Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Gear Design Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Gear Design Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Gear Design Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Gear Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Design Engineer II

Milwaukee Tool

Brookfield, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
Design Engineer II - Trade Tool NPD
INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success - so we give you unlimited access to everything you need to create disruptive new technologies and solutions on our engineering teams.
Our Trade Tool NPD Engineering Team is responsible for giving life to the batteries, motors, and electronics that power solutions to change the lives of our users. Every developmental phase of these critical components happens in-house under the watch of this team. We continue to invest in a mix of mechanical and electrical engineering expertise to design and develop highly specific solutions to reduce strain and increase efficiency on the jobsite. We create Best-in-Class products by leveraging advanced analysis tools, extensive hands-on testing regimes, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, and cross-functional agility.
Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to design and develop the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. Meanwhile, you'll have the support and resources of the fastest-growing brand in the construction industry to make it happen.
Year after year, our team continues to make significant breakthroughs in the industry. We're just getting started. To learn more about our story click HERE.
The Design Engineer II is a member of a cross-functional team working in a fast-paced environment to innovate and bring to life new products from conception to production. You will design, test, and create design solutions to meet consumer requirements.
You'll also be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities:
  • Perform a wide variety of calculations and software aided analyses in the following areas:
    • Mechanical stress analysis, material and heat treatment selection, tolerance and fit analyses, lubrication, spur and helical gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration and a variety of machine element design.
  • Evaluate product design relative to material selection, cost, and reliability.
  • Participate in field research with professional users that leverage our products to complete their jobs.
  • Develop and apply manufacturing mindset to designs to effectively and efficiently mass produce power tools.
  • Work as a technical resource to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing teams and suppliers.
  • Maintain regular communication with manufacturing and other global cross-functional team members to track projects to ensure adherence to schedule.
  • Interact with component suppliers and manufacturers for proper component selection and developing part/product specifications that meet performance requirements while falling within process capabilities.
  • Schedule, develop agendas for, facilitate, and document technical meetings and formal presentations.
  • Independently develop, write, and analyze test requests with the Milwaukee Tool Test Laboratory.
  • Acquire knowledge and maintain an understanding of Milwaukee Tool's development and manufacturing processes.

What TOOLS you'll bring with you:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in related design field.
  • Proficiency in GD&T and CAD.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on attitude.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel and Power Point.
  • Proven ability to work proactively, take ownership, and deliver results.
  • Willingness to learn skill sets outside primary discipline.
  • Ability to travel 10% of the time is required (travel includes Domestic and International).

Other TOOLS we prefer you to have:
  • 2+ year of design experience in a related industry.
  • Electro-Mechanical exposure.

We provide these great perks and benefits:
  • Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans.
  • Generous 401 (K) savings plan.
  • Education assistance.
  • On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service.
  • And many more, check out our benefits site HERE.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.