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Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral Jobs

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction of Dr. Yuan Xuan. Job Duties: * The candidate is ...

$52 - $75/hr

Position Specifications The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction of Dr. Yuan Xuan. Position type: Term ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar . The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Xiang Yang. Job Duties:

$50 - $70/hr

Department Mechanical Engineering Full Description The Bellan Laboratory ( ) at Vanderbilt University seeks an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to work on an NIH-funded vascular tissue engineering ...

New

NY · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Postdoctoral Associate Department ... Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Job Type: Full-Time Position Summary The Sound ...

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 ...

Mechanical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific The STRETCH Lab at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct ...

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% 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.

Materials Science and Engineering Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Idaho National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with a materials science and engineering background. The successful candidate will join INL's Materials Performance team as part of the Materials and Manufacturing Department within INL's Energy, Environment Science & Technology Directorate and contribute to research in the areas of materials, performance and characterization, process informed science, design, engineering and assessment of materials and components that operate in nominal to harsh environments (temperature, pressure, ionic concentration, pH, as well as other functional and applications). Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. 

Ability to integrate modeling and simulations into development and assessment of materials is an essential requirement for this position.  Complimentary expertise is also desired in materials and manufacturing process development of high-strength, light-weight macro to nano-crystalline metal alloys.  The candidate is expected to support existing programs in materials science and engineering.  This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment at a premier national laboratory. 

Responsibilities Include:

  • Conduct research, development in the areas outlined above.
  • Project management support for projects with compressed timeline.
  • Characterize/understand how to interpret data collected from materials using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mechanical testing.
  • Analyze experimental data and develop models to understand the sintering behavior and mechanisms of formation in materials.
  • Collaborate with other researchers and engineers within INL and with external partners to advance the understanding and application of field assisted sintering as it pertains to materials for harsh environments.
  • Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research project reports
     

Required:

  • PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years of graduation.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
  • Experience with hands-on experimental research.
  • Proficiency in advanced data computational and analytical software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 
  • Familiarity with advanced characterization tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrated track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals.
     

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Position requires the ability to smell. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

  • The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
  • Paid time off (personal leave)
  • Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
  • Comprehensive Relocation Package
  • Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

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About Idaho National Laboratory

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Idaho National Laboratory is a leading multi-disciplinary national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defence. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, US, it operates under the management of Battelle Energy Alliance. Since its inception in 1949, the lab has remained at the forefront of nuclear energy innovations and advancements, providing critical scientific and technological inputs to support national priorities. Guided by its commitment to excellence, innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and integrity, the lab continues to play a vital role in driving America's nuclear and energy future.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Year founded

1949

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