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Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airloom Energy

Embedded Engineer

Laramie, WY · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

... roller-coaster-style track that uses small, adjustable wings to capture wind energy more ... Design and develop electrical control systems for novel, lightweight wind turbine technology

Rolls Royce

Mechanical Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

$94K - $153K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the ...

Rolls-Royce

Mechanical Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$94K - $153K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the ...

Rolls-Royce

Mechanical Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

$94K - $153K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the ...

Airloom Energy

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Laramie, WY · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

... roller-coaster-style track that uses small, adjustable wings to capture wind energy more ... Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks) * Strong understanding of engineering ...

Steeltech LLC

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$60K - $74K/yr

This position plays a critical role in developing furnace rolls, furnace fixtures, radiant tubes ... Design and engineer stainless steel products -- including furnace rolls, fixtures, radiant tubes ...

MARSHALLTOWN

Design Engineer

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

Be resilient, willingness to "roll up sleeves and do what needs to get done" to consistently ... design engineering experience, required * Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don't just ... This Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling components and ...

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Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer information

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How much do freelance roller coaster design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance roller coaster design engineer 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or structural engineering, strong mathematical skills, and experience with amusement ride design standards, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and familiarity with safety certifications like ASTM F24 or EN13814 are critical. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication help engineers collaborate with clients and contractors while innovating unique ride experiences. These skills ensure that roller coaster designs are safe, feasible, and engaging, meeting both regulatory standards and client expectations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects.

What is the difference between Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer vs Freelance Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFreelance Roller Coaster Design EngineerFreelance Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsSpecialized in amusement ride design, often with engineering or architecture backgroundEngineering degree, often in mechanical or related fields
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, amusement ride manufacturers, freelance projectsVarious industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace
Industry UsagePrimarily in entertainment and amusement industryBroad, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and entertainment

Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineers focus specifically on designing amusement rides, requiring specialized knowledge of safety standards and ride dynamics. Freelance Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across multiple industries with general mechanical design skills. While both roles require engineering credentials, the roller coaster designer's expertise is tailored to entertainment projects, making their work more niche compared to the versatile freelance mechanical engineer.

How to get a job as a roller coaster engineer?

To become a roller coaster design engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, or structural engineering is required, along with experience in CAD software and ride safety standards. Building a strong portfolio of design projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level engineering roles can improve job prospects in this specialized field.

How much does a roller coaster design engineer make?

A freelance roller coaster design engineer's earnings vary based on experience, project complexity, and client. Typically, they charge hourly rates ranging from $50 to $150 or project-based fees, with some earning six-figure incomes for large, high-profile designs. Strong skills in engineering, CAD software, and safety standards are essential for competitive compensation.

What are some common challenges a Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer faces when collaborating with theme park clients?

Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning creative concepts with client budgets, meeting strict safety regulations, and adapting designs to fit unique site constraints. Effective communication is crucial, as you'll regularly collaborate with architects, project managers, and construction teams to ensure your designs are feasible and deliver the desired guest experience. Managing client expectations and timelines while balancing technical and creative demands is a key part of the role.

What does a Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer do?

A Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer is responsible for creating the concepts, layouts, and technical plans for roller coasters on a project-by-project basis, often working independently or with various amusement park clients. Their work includes designing safe and exciting ride experiences, performing structural calculations, coordinating with other engineers and architects, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. They may also use specialized software to simulate rides and collaborate during the construction phase. Freelancers in this field enjoy flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of unique projects around the world.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the field of freelance roller coaster design engineering, high earnings of $500,000 or more are typically achieved by experienced professionals with specialized skills, a strong portfolio, and a reputation in the industry. Such earnings often come from working on large, complex projects or consulting for major amusement parks, and may require advanced knowledge of structural engineering, CAD software, and safety standards.
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Freelance Roller Coaster Design Engineer jobs near you
Mechanical Design Engineer (Freelance Opportunities)

Mechanical Design Engineer (Freelance Opportunities)

TAIT

Lititz, PA • On-site, Remote

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock 'n' roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics
We are looking to add great freelance Mechanical Design Engineers onto our roster. By applying here you will be considered for upcoming short & long-term contracts with TAIT. This application is not for a full-time role.
Position Purpose
Mechanical Design Engineers (MDE) at TAIT are responsible for project-based mechanical design work that focuses on specialized machinery, structures, and rigging systems for the entertainment technology industry. MDEs drive innovative technical solutions, while working within TAIT safety and quality processes, as well as leveraging TAIT standard design principles and practices.
As part of the wider mechanical design and engineering team, this role will focus on owning specific subsections of projects. The MDE team collaborates across departments (project management, fabrication, procurement, field teams) to ensure project success, from "initial concept" through "opening night."
Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities
  • Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative and effective technical solutions that align with project objectives and exceed client expectations.
  • Plan and execute technical solutions to work within scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Apply TAIT design best practices to design for fit and finish, manufacturing efficiency, onsite assembly + disassembly, and packaging.
  • Identify and understand the underlying physics of complex problems to create successful technical solutions.
  • Identify and prioritize project specific requirements and constraints to drive technical solutions.
  • Apply TAIT Project Delivery best practices and processes including design reviews, project team meetings, use of planning systems/software,
  • Participate in client meetings and produce client-facing drawing packages as needed.
  • Communicate effectively through hand sketches, 2D CAD drawings and cross sections.
  • Efficiently generate robust and clean 3D models to support TAIT's collaborative design process.
  • Produce pitch studies, schematics, storyboards, weight studies, and other supporting tasks to advance the design + engineering process.
  • Identify appropriate timing and scale of prototyping to support design + engineering process.
  • Recognize aspects of project work requiring engineering rigor to collaborate with internal and external engineering review on assigned project work.
  • Identify long lead time items and work with purchasing department to procure project specific components and materials.
  • Use custom TAIT CAD tools as appropriate in design and detailing processes.
  • Maintain project documentation including drawing redlines and operation manuals as required.
  • Release assembly and part drawings to be manufactured internal to TAIT as well as through subcontracting vendors using appropriate dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Efficiently solve technical issues as they may arise during fabrication, testing, and/or commissioning.
  • Support legacy TAIT equipment as required by project needs and/or support department requests.
  • Maintain awareness of standard of solutions within TAIT's markets, product lines, and platforms.
  • Maintain awareness of TAIT's markets and competition.

To perform this position successfully, each essential responsibility/accountability must be fulfilled satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the responsibilities and accountabilities outlined above.
Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Formal degree or 2+ years experience in Technical Theater, Engineering, Architectural, Industrial Design, Machine Design, CADD preferred, or High School Diploma/GED
  • Background in 3D CAD modeling
  • Working knowledge of live entertainment technology
  • Experience working in a short-term, project-based environment
  • Success collaborating as part of a cross-functional team
  • Work will be hybrid/remote in Lititz PA

Preferred Experience
  • Parametric modeling, ideally using Autodesk Inventor
  • Design for manufacture (DFM), especially aluminum structures and electro-mechanical machines
  • Building information modeling (BIM)
  • Knowledge of and experience with live event specific structures, mechanisms, machinery, rigging, automation, and scenic elements
  • TAIT markets, especially concert touring and theme parks
  • TAIT technology, especially winches, trolleys, and other overhead machinery/structures

Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. The employee regularly operates a computer, including typing, using a mouse or keyboard, and viewing the screen for extended periods.
While the role does not require regular lifting or physical exertion, there may be occasional onboarding programs or training opportunities that create opportunities for more exposure to physical tasks or new environments (sites, venues, etc.)
Work conditions of the role are:
  • Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.

The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. If there are specific physical needs related to lifting, walking, or any other task, candidates are encouraged to discuss their requirements during the hiring process. The organization will make every effort to accommodate these needs to ensure equal opportunities for all employees.
TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.

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