Freelance Design Engineer
Discussion
Thinking out loud -
I recently had the pleasure of working alongside a freelance Design Engineer who was honestly incompetent. Limited knowledge of basic CAD tools, hand drawn hydraulic circuits, costing all over the place. They were hired in purely as additional resource and came highly recommend, which got me thinking that if they can do it...
What’s to stop me buying a laptop, some CAD software and operating as a consultant/freelance Design Engineer on my own? Is it more complicated and is it really just what contracting is?
(I know there’s a substantial thread going on the very subject - but does this fall into this area? - most of the discussion is regarding IT services or project management).
I see an opportunity to set up on my own and fill the following roles:
- Fill Design resources (similar to above) for short term work load at existing Engineering firms.
- Act as Design/Production Engineering resource to support existing Fabricators/Manufacturing firms.
- Freelance Designer/Engineer to act between a private customer and Fabrication/Manufacturing firms. Eg a farmer or small business.
- Full Machinery/Equipment Design services from concept to manufacture.
Basically offering my skills to everyone and anyone that might want it, without being tied to a single employer.
I live in an area that has 100’s of Manufacturing, Engineering and Fabrication companies all specialising similar products with shared manufacturing methods (and in some cases facilities) that are within a 20 mile range. I have worked across a few of these product types and would have enough knowledge on them to quickly pick up a project.
Does anyone have any experience of working as a freelance Engineer?
I recently had the pleasure of working alongside a freelance Design Engineer who was honestly incompetent. Limited knowledge of basic CAD tools, hand drawn hydraulic circuits, costing all over the place. They were hired in purely as additional resource and came highly recommend, which got me thinking that if they can do it...
What’s to stop me buying a laptop, some CAD software and operating as a consultant/freelance Design Engineer on my own? Is it more complicated and is it really just what contracting is?
(I know there’s a substantial thread going on the very subject - but does this fall into this area? - most of the discussion is regarding IT services or project management).
I see an opportunity to set up on my own and fill the following roles:
- Fill Design resources (similar to above) for short term work load at existing Engineering firms.
- Act as Design/Production Engineering resource to support existing Fabricators/Manufacturing firms.
- Freelance Designer/Engineer to act between a private customer and Fabrication/Manufacturing firms. Eg a farmer or small business.
- Full Machinery/Equipment Design services from concept to manufacture.
Basically offering my skills to everyone and anyone that might want it, without being tied to a single employer.
I live in an area that has 100’s of Manufacturing, Engineering and Fabrication companies all specialising similar products with shared manufacturing methods (and in some cases facilities) that are within a 20 mile range. I have worked across a few of these product types and would have enough knowledge on them to quickly pick up a project.
Does anyone have any experience of working as a freelance Engineer?
Edited by cdon on Tuesday 24th March 17:02
I haven't done it myself (always been in permanent positions) but i've worked with plenty over the years.
If you can steer Solidworks, and afford the license and hardware (not cheap), it's worth a shot... but freelancing isn't the cash cow it once was... I tend to do the occasional job on the side, but tbh most people aren't prepared to pay decent rates over and above what you would earn as a salary.
My place stopped using freelancers as it was usually more trouble than it was worth, and we spent more time redoing work than would have been saved by using a freelancer in the first place.
It can be done for sure, but in the current and post CV19 climate I think a perm position would be a lot safer, and probably pay better.
If you want a change of scene, have a look at retail display/POS design... the talent pool is a bit shallow these days, and there's always jobs going.
If you can steer Solidworks, and afford the license and hardware (not cheap), it's worth a shot... but freelancing isn't the cash cow it once was... I tend to do the occasional job on the side, but tbh most people aren't prepared to pay decent rates over and above what you would earn as a salary.
My place stopped using freelancers as it was usually more trouble than it was worth, and we spent more time redoing work than would have been saved by using a freelancer in the first place.
It can be done for sure, but in the current and post CV19 climate I think a perm position would be a lot safer, and probably pay better.
If you want a change of scene, have a look at retail display/POS design... the talent pool is a bit shallow these days, and there's always jobs going.
I've just seen this. Quick response is
1. You have to have the appetite for an unpredictable worklife - you may have periods where you can't get work, and periods when you're rushed off your feet. You have to plan for the former.
2. You have to keep your skills current - that means finding time (and money) to keep your training up to date, ensure your computer and software is valid etc. - all the things that happen 'invisibly' in an office are your responsibility.
3. Depending on how you structure it, you may be liable for various taxes - you must research and plan your financial management, and keep on top of paperwork and fees. Google IR35 and disguised employment for a feel for this.
4. Remember that as a 'work for hire' your career progression stops at this point. Any advancement will require you to change your own job titles and justify them to clients.
5. You have to be able to hustle for work. The first job may come easily, but you will need to make contacts and be in the right place at the right time to get subsequent work. Think about how big your network is, and what you can do to get more connections.
On the other hand, it can be a great, rewarding way to run your job. You get variety, freedom from (some) office politics and usually a decent amount of money.
1. You have to have the appetite for an unpredictable worklife - you may have periods where you can't get work, and periods when you're rushed off your feet. You have to plan for the former.
2. You have to keep your skills current - that means finding time (and money) to keep your training up to date, ensure your computer and software is valid etc. - all the things that happen 'invisibly' in an office are your responsibility.
3. Depending on how you structure it, you may be liable for various taxes - you must research and plan your financial management, and keep on top of paperwork and fees. Google IR35 and disguised employment for a feel for this.
4. Remember that as a 'work for hire' your career progression stops at this point. Any advancement will require you to change your own job titles and justify them to clients.
5. You have to be able to hustle for work. The first job may come easily, but you will need to make contacts and be in the right place at the right time to get subsequent work. Think about how big your network is, and what you can do to get more connections.
On the other hand, it can be a great, rewarding way to run your job. You get variety, freedom from (some) office politics and usually a decent amount of money.
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