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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 9, 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 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,223 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary:
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university renowned for its innovative education and research. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct novel research on algorithm development for biomedical and engineering applications, while also supervising students and managing projects.
Responsibilities:
• Conduct novel research on algorithm development and apply to related biomedical and engineering applications and manage related projects
• Publish in top journals and help with proposal writing
• Supervise the research of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Doctorate degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace, or related fields in engineering
• A minimum of 5 years of experience
• Experience in computational mechanics, finite element method, isogeometric analysis, geometric modeling, machine learning, data-driven modeling
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
• Successful background check
Company:
Carnegie Mellon University is a research university offering programs and research across engineering, science, arts, and business. Founded in 1900, the company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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