ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electro-Mechanical

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bristol, VA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with strong mechanical design skills and a passion for precision engineering to make a tangible impact on innovative, American-made ...

Electro-Mechanical

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bristol, VA

$72K - $98K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with strong mechanical design skills and a passion for precision engineering to make a tangible impact on innovative, American-made ...

Verto People

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer / Design Engineer required to join a engineering manufacturer based in Richmond, IN The successful Mechanical Design Engineer / Design Engineer will have experience with ...

Verto People

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer / HVAC Design Engineer / Mechanical Engineer Fort Worth, TX Up to $130,000 A Mechanical Design Engineer is required for a commercial HVAC and MEP design-build role based in ...

Clayton Services

Mechanical Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for designing engineered products, supporting new product development initiatives, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring innovative ...

INA Solution Inc

Mechanical Design engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Milpitas, CA (100% Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to support product/platform development ...

Axion Recruitment

Mechanical Design Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer * Kansas City, MO - Relocation on offer * $110,000 - $140,000 * Monday - Friday | Days * Food Machinery Manufacturing We're recruiting for an experienced Mechanical Design ...

Design Hire LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sanborn, IA · On-site

Design Hire is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop detailed 3D designs for manufacturable products and components. This role is a strong fit for someone who is detail-oriented, production ...

Intellectt INC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Huntsville, AL Job Summary We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with experience designing heavy/mobile equipment using SolidWorks. The ideal candidate will ...

MJ Recruiters

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bucyrus, OH · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer MUST HAVE experience working in Heavy Equipment or at an OEM Bucyrus, OH You will be set up for success here with stability at a well-established company! ➡️ Diverse ...

Intellectt INC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Rock Island, IL Job Summary We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with experience designing heavy industrial equipment using Pro/E Creo. The ideal candidate ...

Intellectt INC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Huntsville, AL Job Summary We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with experience designing heavy/mobile equipment using SolidWorks. The ideal candidate will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Design Engineer JobsFreelance Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs

Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$91.6K

$136.5K

How much do freelance mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance mechanical design engineer in the United States is $91,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD proficiency, and usually a relevant degree or certification. Expertise with design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA, along with familiarity with prototyping and simulation tools, is typically required. Strong project management, client communication, and problem-solving skills help you stand out in a competitive freelance market. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative, precise solutions that meet client specifications and deadlines.

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

AspectFreelance Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically holds relevant engineering degrees; certifications optionalRequires engineering degree; professional licenses may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, remote or on-site projects, flexible scheduleEmployed by companies, usually in office or lab settings
Employer & Industry UsageWorks with multiple clients across industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer productsWorks for a single employer, focusing on product development within a specific industry

In summary, Freelance Mechanical Design Engineers operate independently, often juggling multiple clients and projects, offering flexibility. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineers are typically employed full-time by companies, focusing on in-house product development and design tasks.

What Does a Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer Do?

As a freelance mechanical design engineer, you perform your duties on a contract basis for clients. Your responsibilities include working with a project manager to understand the scope of the design project and designing a working prototype for tools, hardware, or components for robotic or sensing equipment. You work closely with QA testers and other manufacturing specialists to assess the quality of the project before a company prepares to implement large-scale production. As a freelance design engineer, you need to seek out new work on a regular basis.

What are some common challenges freelance mechanical design engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Freelance mechanical design engineers often juggle several projects for different clients, which can present challenges in prioritizing deadlines, adapting to varying project requirements, and maintaining clear communication across teams. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial to ensure deliverables meet each client's standards and timelines. Additionally, freelancers must be proactive in clarifying project scopes, managing revisions, and keeping up-to-date with the latest design tools and industry standards to stay competitive.

What does a Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer do?

A Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems or components for clients on a project-by-project basis. They use software tools like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to create detailed drawings and specifications, often working remotely or on contract. Their work can span various industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer products. Freelance engineers are responsible for meeting client requirements, managing project timelines, and often handling their own business operations. This role requires strong technical skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients.
More about Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,578 per year, or $44 per hour.

Freelance Mechanical Engineer / CAD Designer

RKS Design

Thousand Oaks, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Freelance Mechanical Engineer / CAD Designer SolidWorks CAD Update & Documentation (Beta Reconciliation) About RKS RKS is a 40-year industrial design ...

Apply