Freelance Mechanical Engineer / CAD Designer SolidWorks CAD Update & Documentation (Beta ... Experience with sheetmetal and injection-molded parts * Familiarity withelectromechanical ...
Freelance Mechanical Engineer / CAD Designer SolidWorks CAD Update & Documentation (Beta ... Experience with sheetmetal and injection-molded parts * Familiarity withelectromechanical ...
... molders, glass factories, paperboard converters, flexible film printers, decorators), freelance designers, and engineers • Placing and managing first-article samples, pre-production approvals ...
... molders, glass factories, paperboard converters, flexible film printers, decorators), freelance designers, and engineers • Placing and managing first-article samples, pre-production approvals ...
Assistant Editor
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$70K - $80K/yr
... mold the national conversation about critical issues facing American democracy. The assistant ... freelance editors, and designers * Enforce production schedules, regularly update project ...
Quick apply
Assistant Editor
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$70K - $80K/yr
... mold the national conversation about critical issues facing American democracy. The assistant ... freelance editors, and designers * Enforce production schedules, regularly update project ...
Social Media Content Creator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
... are designed to reflect its commitment to easy, effective, and enjoyable self-care. Since its ... We aren't afraid to go first-OUAI is a social-first lifestyle brand that aims to break the mold ...
New
Quick apply
Social Media Content Creator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
... are designed to reflect its commitment to easy, effective, and enjoyable self-care. Since its ... We aren't afraid to go first-OUAI is a social-first lifestyle brand that aims to break the mold ...
New
Assistant Editor
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$70K - $80K/yr
... mold the national conversation about critical issues facing American democracy. The assistant ... freelance editors, and designers * Enforce production schedules, regularly update project ...
Assistant Editor
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$70K - $80K/yr
... mold the national conversation about critical issues facing American democracy. The assistant ... freelance editors, and designers * Enforce production schedules, regularly update project ...
Social Media Content Creator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
... are designed to reflect its commitment to easy, effective, and enjoyable self-care. Since its ... We aren't afraid to go first-OUAI is a social-first lifestyle brand that aims to break the mold ...
New
Social Media Content Creator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
... are designed to reflect its commitment to easy, effective, and enjoyable self-care. Since its ... We aren't afraid to go first-OUAI is a social-first lifestyle brand that aims to break the mold ...
New
Freelance Mold Designer information
See salary details
$23.52 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.90 - $25.57
31% of jobs
The median wage is $32.14 / hr.
$25.57 - $36.23
31% of jobs
$36.23 - $46.90
4% of jobs
$56.23 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$46.90 - $57.56
10% of jobs
$57.56 - $68.23
9% of jobs
$68.23 - $78.89
5% of jobs
$78.89 - $89.55
0% of jobs
$89.55 - $100.22
8% of jobs
$100.22 - $110.88
0% of jobs
$110.88 - $121.55
0% of jobs
$121.55 - $132.21
1% of jobs
$14
$47
$132
How much do freelance mold designer jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance mold designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are freelance mold designers?
Freelance mold designers are independent professionals who specialize in designing molds for manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, or casting. They work with clients across various industries to create detailed mold designs using CAD software, ensuring that products can be manufactured efficiently and to precise specifications. Unlike full-time employees, freelance mold designers typically work on a project-by-project basis and may collaborate with multiple companies at once. Their expertise helps manufacturers reduce production costs, improve product quality, and accelerate development timelines.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Mold Designer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Freelance Mold Designer, you need expertise in mold design principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or related fields. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively with clients and ensure high-quality deliverables. These skills are essential for meeting client specifications, reducing errors, and delivering efficient, manufacturable mold designs.
What are some common challenges freelance mold designers face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?
Freelance mold designers often juggle projects for various clients, which can lead to challenges in prioritizing deadlines, adapting to different design standards, and managing communication across teams. Staying organized and using project management tools can help keep tasks on track. Additionally, clear and proactive communication is crucial to ensure all client expectations are met and to avoid last-minute changes that could disrupt workflow.
What is the difference between Freelance Mold Designer vs Mold Engineer?
| Aspect | Freelance Mold Designer | Mold Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires CAD certifications, technical training in mold design | Requires engineering degree, often with specialized certifications in manufacturing or tooling |
| Work Environment | Independent, project-based, often remote or client-site | In-house or consulting, working within manufacturing or engineering teams |
| Industry Usage | Used by small businesses, freelance platforms, and contract work | Employed by manufacturing firms, automotive, or plastic injection molding companies |
Freelance Mold Designers focus on creating mold designs independently, often working remotely on specific projects. Mold Engineers typically have a formal engineering background and work within companies to develop, test, and improve molds. Both roles require technical skills, but Mold Engineers usually have more comprehensive engineering responsibilities and certifications.
More about Freelance Mold Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Mold Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Mold Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mold Designer jobs? The most popular types of Mold Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Mold Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Mold Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Mold Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Mold Designer jobs are:
Full-time
Posted 6 days ago
Job description
Job Description
Freelance Mechanical Engineer / CAD Designer
SolidWorks CAD Update & Documentation (Beta Reconciliation)
About RKS
RKS is a 40-year industrial design and product development firm bringing complex products to market across consumer, medical, appliance, and industrial sectors. We integrate industrial design, mechanical engineering, and electronics to deliver production-ready systems for global clients.
The Engagement
We are seeking a mid-level Mechanical or CAD Designer (contract/freelance) with strong SolidWorks experience to support reconciliation of a beta prototype with its 3D CAD database.
The product is in a working beta stage. The core architecture is established. The immediate need is detailed, methodical CAD updating to reflect the current beta prototype and documentation alignment to prepare the database for production assembly reference as the CAD database may lack detail around mounting plates, wiring harnesses and other components were added in the build of the beta unit.
This is a hands-on CAD-intensive role suited for someone highly comfortable working in large assemblies and managing detailed updates.
Key Responsibilities
1. Beta Prototype vs. CAD Review
2. 3D CAD Database Updates
3. 2D Documentation Updates
Required Qualifications
Preferred
Engagement Details
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Freelance Mechanical Engineer / CAD Designer
SolidWorks CAD Update & Documentation (Beta Reconciliation)
About RKS
RKS is a 40-year industrial design and product development firm bringing complex products to market across consumer, medical, appliance, and industrial sectors. We integrate industrial design, mechanical engineering, and electronics to deliver production-ready systems for global clients.
The Engagement
We are seeking a mid-level Mechanical or CAD Designer (contract/freelance) with strong SolidWorks experience to support reconciliation of a beta prototype with its 3D CAD database.
The product is in a working beta stage. The core architecture is established. The immediate need is detailed, methodical CAD updating to reflect the current beta prototype and documentation alignment to prepare the database for production assembly reference as the CAD database may lack detail around mounting plates, wiring harnesses and other components were added in the build of the beta unit.
This is a hands-on CAD-intensive role suited for someone highly comfortable working in large assemblies and managing detailed updates.
Key Responsibilities
1. Beta Prototype vs. CAD Review
- Review physical betaprototype against existing SolidWorks assembly
- Identify discrepanciesbetween as-built hardware and current 3D CAD
- Document differencesin geometry, mounting, fasteners, routing, and interfaces
2. 3D CAD Database Updates
- Update largeSolidWorks assemblies to reflect the current working prototype
- Resolve interferencesand misalignments discovered during reconciliation
- Maintain properassembly structure, part references, and configurations
- Ensure clean,organized, production-ready model structure
3. 2D Documentation Updates
- Update 2D drawings toreflect revised 3D geometry
- Revise dimensions,tolerances, materials, and notes as required
- Maintain revisioncontrol and drawing standards
- Ensure drawing packagealigns with updated BOM and assembly structure
Required Qualifications
- Approximately 4-7years of product development experience
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks(large assemblies required) / 3D + 2DCAD
- Experience updatingand maintaining complex 3D CAD databases
- Experience generatingand revising detailed 2D production drawings
- Strong attention todetail and methodical documentation skills
- Ability to workindependently within an established engineering structure
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree inMechanical Engineering
- Experience with sheetmetal and injection-molded parts
- Familiarity withelectromechanical assemblies (PCBs, wiring, motors, pumps, etc.)
- Experience preparingdocumentation for manufacturing release
Engagement Details
- Freelance / Contract
- Immediate start
- Project-basedengagement
- In office
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Approximately 4-7years of product development experience
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks(large assemblies required) / 3D + 2DCAD
- Experience updatingand maintaining complex 3D CAD databases
- Experience generatingand revising detailed 2D production drawings
- Strong attention todetail and methodical documentation skills
- Ability to workindependently within an established engineering structure
About RKS Design
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Specialized design services
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Thousand Oaks, CA, US
Year founded
1980