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Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral Jobs

$62 - $63/hr

The department offers an ABET -accredited BS in Engineering with concentrations in Mechanical ... Primary Purpose of Position The postdoctoral scholar is responsible for independent and ...

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Description POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE New York University Tandon School of Engineering The Dynamical ... Engineering is seeking to hire a Post Doctoral Associate to work on the mechanics of deep-sea ...

The postdoctoral researcher will primarily lead and support research in experimental rock mechanics ... D. in geological engineering, petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering ...

The Postdoctoral Scholar will also mentor graduate students working in the area of semiconductor ... A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

This is a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral appointment within NanoSI. The position offers access ... PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related ...

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Freelance Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral information

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$35.5K

$54.2K

$61K

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

As of Sep 2, 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.

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

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Job description

Postdoctoral Associate
Job no: 537411
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific
Job Description
The STRETCH Lab at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in computational biomechanics and data-driven modeling as part of a multidisciplinary research program in women's health. The successful candidate will develop and implement computational models of biological tissues, analyze and integrate experimental and computational data, contribute to model validation and predictive modeling efforts, and work collaboratively with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate will also contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations and will assist in mentoring students involved in related research activities.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Demonstrated experience in computational mechanics, biomechanics, or computational modeling.
• Experience with scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar computational tools.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly research, including peer-reviewed publications.
Preferred Qualifications
• Strong scientific writing skills and ability to communicate research findings clearly and effectively.
• Strong oral presentation skills, with experience presenting research to scientific or technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of research activities, and contribute effectively to collaborative research.
• Ability to work effectively with undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to their research training and mentoring.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: soft tissue biomechanics, constitutive modeling, finite element analysis, parameter estimation, uncertainty quantification, or data-driven modeling.
• Experience developing and validating computational models.
• Experience integrating experimental data with computational models.
• Experience preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience presenting research at scientific conferences or professional meetings.
• Previous experience mentoring or supervising undergraduate or graduate researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$62,232 commensurate with qualifications and experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
September 14, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collins at mandamcg@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: August 25, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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