1

Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral Jobs

Postdoctoral Associate

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Posting Details Position Information Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Position Title Postdoctoral Associate ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related discipline. Preferred ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral information

See salary details

$35.5K

$54.2K

$61K

How much do freelance mechanical engineering postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance mechanical engineering postdoctoral in the United States is $54,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance mechanical engineering postdoctoral?

To thrive as a Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in mechanical engineering, robust analytical skills, and a strong research background in your specialization. Experience with CAD software, simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB), and familiarity with publishing platforms or grant writing is crucial. Strong project management, self-motivation, and clear communication skills set you apart in independent and client-driven environments. These abilities are essential for delivering high-quality research, managing multiple projects, and building a successful freelance reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance mechanical engineering postdoctoral researchers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance mechanical engineering postdoctoral researchers often face challenges such as securing consistent project work, managing their own schedules, and maintaining access to specialized equipment or software. Building a strong professional network and regularly reaching out to industry contacts can help in finding new opportunities. Additionally, collaborating with universities or research institutions can provide access to necessary resources and foster partnerships. Effective time management and clear communication with clients are key to delivering high-quality work on time.

What is a freelance mechanical engineering postdoctoral?

A Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral position refers to a research role in mechanical engineering that is conducted independently without being tied to a single academic institution or employer. Individuals in this role often collaborate on a project basis with universities, research organizations, or private companies. This allows for greater flexibility, autonomy in research focus, and the opportunity to work on diverse projects. Freelance postdocs may handle their own funding, manage multiple contracts, and are responsible for networking to secure ongoing work.

What is the difference between Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFreelance Mechanical Engineering PostdoctoralMechanical Engineer
CredentialsPhD in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remoteCompany or manufacturing setting, team-based
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research labs, consultingManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design
Search & Comparison IntentResearch, academic, specialized consultingIndustry roles, engineering projects

The main difference is that a Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral typically holds a PhD and works independently on research or consulting projects, often in academic or specialized settings. In contrast, a Mechanical Engineer usually has a bachelor's or master's degree and works within a company or industry environment on product development or manufacturing tasks.

More about Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,223 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher- Mechanical Engineering

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

$114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position focused on laboratory investigations of air-blast atomization in liquid films. We are seeking a highly motivated, independent, and creative researcher with a strong background in atomization and experimental fluid mechanics, particularly in optical flow-visualization techniques.

The successful candidate will conduct advanced laboratory experiments to study the dynamics of gas coherent structures and the formation of transverse liquid waves. This work will involve a combination of novel experimental approaches, including PIV, LIF, high-speed imaging, and shadowgraphy. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data, and for producing project reports and peer-reviewed journal publications.


What Wayne State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom