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Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Appleton, WI

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Design Engineer Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of structural, electrical, and hydraulic components. Key responsibilities include creating CAD models ...

PROLIM Global Corporation

Design Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

Design and develop mechanical systems and components for off-highway vehicles * Lead and support new product development (NPD) and product enhancement initiatives * Coordinate technically with ...

The Jor-mac Company Inc

Design Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

As a Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing and optimizing mechanical components and systems through advanced design and analysis techniques. Your primary focus will be to ...

Oshkosh Corporation

Engineer - Mechanical Design

Appleton, WI · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

The Engineer - Mechanical designs functional, reliable and cost effective heavy duty vehicle components. Perform engineering analysis and design or re-design, and development of components into ...

Actalent

Mechanical Engineer

Winneconne, WI · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Engineer - R&D The R&D Mechanical Engineer performs advanced mechanical design and ... The engineer creates and maintains high-quality design documentation, drives design-for ...

Kosmos

Mechanical Engineer

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

As a Design Engineer, you will work full-time on-site in Sheboygan, Wisconsin contributing to the ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field * Proficiency in CAD software and ...

L&S Electric, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

Design and implement mechanical and hydraulic systems for electrical generation facilities ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering * 5 years' experience with hydraulic power units ...

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Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$44.4K

$89.4K

$133.2K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance mechanical design engineer in Appleton, WI is $89,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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For Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you

Mechanical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Green Bay, WI • On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking entry-level to experienced candidates to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidates will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility located near Green Bay, WI.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Design Engineer
Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of structural, electrical, and hydraulic components. Key responsibilities include creating CAD models and design documentation, and collaborating with suppliers, manufacturing, and validation teams to optimize designs.
Job Description
  • Support the design and development of structural, electrical and hydraulic components.
  • Conduct design reviews of new prototype components and systems.
  • Document all design activity with CAD models, design drawings, analysis results, and design review presentation materials.
  • Provide information and visit prototype component suppliers as necessary.
  • Review continuous improvement cycles of production vehicles and warranty improvement based on customer and factory feedback.
  • Work with manufacturing, product verification and validation, and suppliers to develop efficient and cost-effective designs.
  • Use CAD Software to assist in the 3-D Modeling of components, sheet metal and possibly hydraulic & electrical routings, including light analysis of structural components.
  • Prepare CAD models appropriate for more detailed analysis as necessary (i.e. finite element analysis (FEA).

Requirements
  • AS or BA Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Proficiency in engineering principles including but not limited to structural mechanics, hydraulics, and electronics.
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD - (Solid Works preferred).
  • Knowledge of typical engineering standards in drawing practice, dimensioning and tolerancing, drawing symbols, welding practice, etc.
  • Prior experience with off-road equipment

Pay Range: $65,000-$95,000 - Commensurate with experience
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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