Design Engineer
in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AIConnect with freelance Design Engineers specializing in CAD modeling, physical prototyping, and design for manufacturing (DFM). Get matched with vetted, available professionals ready to accelerate your product development lifecycle.
Meet FRATCH Design Engineers
Hans-Jürgen B.
Last position:
Freelance Technician at FlexLink Systems GmbH
- Plant planning in conveyor technology
- Engineering and design of conveyor systems for the automotive industry / battery transport
- Software, CAD: AutoCAD Inventor 2019 3D + Vault
Marian C.
Last position:
Mechanical Development Staff Engineer at Flex
- Develop mechanical requirements in alignment with customer specifications.
- Design and simulate mechanical components and assemblies using PTC Creo, including:
- 2D/3D CAD capabilities including advanced surfacing
- Model based geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)
- Linear static FEA analysis.
- Perform tolerance analysis using TSA spreadsheets and CETOL 6σ.
- Represent the department in project meetings and collaborate with design teams to ensure project alignment.
- Participate in prototyping activities, optimizing designs for manufacturability.
- Conduct testing, verification, and documentation per industry standards.
- Completed training in X-ray inspection (X-ray analysis) for mechanical and electronic assemblies.
- Support system engineers in customer requirements analysis and feasibility evaluation.
- Assist electrical engineers by designing the mechanical layout of the PCBA, ensuring collision-free integration of electrical components.
- Apply Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt Certified) and use Minitab for statistical analysis.
- Support risk management activities (dFMEA).
- Gained practical knowledge of PCBA production processes through regular visits to SMT production lines, enhancing understanding of design-for-manufacturability.
- Work closely with international teams (Italy, Romania).
Michael N.
Last position:
Hardware Development Engineer at Thales
- Architected and implemented a bidirectional USB-C 3.0 Power Delivery (PD/DRP) system for 24V battery charging, successfully minimizing software integration risks through targeted feasibility studies.
- Integrated CAN, USB 3.0, Gigabit-Ethernet, and Audio-Codec interfaces in Altium Designer, successfully delivering the complete system schematic ready for board redesign.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Rescued a failing (military) legacy project by reverse engineering undocumented hardware, successfully resolving critical design flaws and consolidating the Altium project.
Yannide D.
Last position:
Development Engineer Test Automation at Vorwerk Elektrowerke GmbH & Co. KG
- Project: Thermomix Online Mock
- Manual execution of functional tests
- Implementation of automated end-to-end tests
- Execution of regression tests and analysis of results
- Further development of the QA website server using Express.js, Handlebars and Node.js
- Further development of the test environment
- Technologies: Agile software development Scrum, Robot Framework, Python, JavaScript, Git (GitLab), VS Code, Jira, Confluence, Express.js, Handlebars, Phoenix/Elixir
Philip F.
Last position:
Manager Electromechanical Design Inverter at MAGNA Powertrain GmbH & Co KG
- Global technical and disciplinary leadership of the electromechanical inverter design department.
- Definition and strategic planning of long-term development activities as well as continuous optimization of global development costs and budgets.
- Implementation of global standards, harmonization of engineering processes, and close coordination with international production sites.
- Cross-functional alignment of development scopes to ensure manufacturability (design-to-manufacturing).
- Professional and personal development as well as mentoring of team members.
Hendrik B.
Last position:
Senior Mechanical Engineer Medical Devices at Roche Diagnostics AG
- Concept and optimization of medical devices
- Design of housing segments, coupling systems and complex mechanical systems
- Plastic and sheet metal design
- Supplier inquiries and technical evaluation
- Technical support for suppliers and production
- CAD modeling with CATIA V5 and SolidWorks
- Creating models, drawings according to ISO GPS and documentation
- Approvals in PLM and SAP
- Internal coordination with relevant stakeholders
Nazif K.
Last position:
Self Employed at Self Employed
Providing services to cover the complete electronic product design process.
- Requirement validation
- Creating / re-writing / breaking down requirements
- Requirement analysis and functional partitioning
- Component selection and risk assessment
- Component library management
- Schematics design
- Safety and reliability assessment
- HDI PCB design
- Design review against requirements
- Readiness for manufacturing review
- Readiness for testing review
- Readiness for verification review
High Power Density BLDC Driver Module with MCU as controller:
- PCB module with heatsink
- L47mm x W36mm x H19mm compact sizes
- Nominal input voltage: 48V
- Sinusoidal continuous RMS current: 50A
- STO, Digital input and outputs
- Analog signal inputs
- CANBUS interface
- RS232/RS485 interface
- Multilayer FR4 design (No aluminum PCB)
Integrated Mission Computer & Smart 5kW PDU
- Featuring 3 different current limits, in total 63 power outputs
- Featuring programmable current amplitude and on-time, in total 84 CC power outputs.
- Ethernet, CANBUS, MIL-BUS, RS485 communication interfaces
- In total 120 Open-Short, Open-GND, 28V-GND types discrete I/O interfaces
- BIT and CIT solutions to monitor output voltage, current and board temperature
Patrik G.
Last position:
Engineering & Development at TOBG Services Ltd
- Increased system uptime and performance while decreasing costs. Managing server infrastructure for DLT and application services
- Design and implement AI-workflow automation
- Developed the stakit.io App using Redis, Prometheus, Grafana
- Creating a multi-AI chat App with advanced AI-integration
- Developing an AI-powered document analysis solution for in-house and service deployment
Yassin B.
Last position:
Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) at Schweizerweg Gmbh
- Designed and executed automated and manual test cases for REST APIs and UI workflows using Selenide, Selenium, and Postman.
- Developed and maintained Gatling-based performance tests for simulating user load and validating system responsiveness and stability under stress.
- Integrated test suites into CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins, enabling rapid and reliable delivery cycles.
- Employed Splunk, Grafana, and Prometheus to monitor logs, track metrics, and perform in-depth application performance monitoring (APM).
- Utilized Swagger for validating and documenting API contracts and ensuring consistency across environments.
- Created and managed isolated test environments using Docker, enabling reproducible and consistent test execution.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams using Confluence, Jira, and Bitbucket for agile planning, documentation, and version control.
- Worked in a Java/Spring Boot tech stack, leveraging Maven for project build automation and IntelliJ IDEA for development and debugging.
Key Achievements:
- Built a reusable Selenide-based UI automation framework that reduced test creation time by over 50%.
- Automated end-to-end test scenarios for critical business workflows, increasing test coverage and release confidence.
- Designed a modular Gatling load testing framework, used for continuous performance benchmarking.
- Detected and resolved several critical production performance issues through proactive APM and stress testing.
Tomasz W.
Last position:
Designer/ Freelancer at Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH
- Design of components with Catia V5 (Generative Shape Design, Part Design, Drafting) and AutoCAD
- Full-flight simulator: Development of a platform with an electromechanical system for positioning the platform and the instructor/observer seats
- Airbus H145: Design of seat rails
- VR flight simulator: Development of an assembly system for pedals
- Train simulator: Design of a brake controller system
- Creation of sketches for quick visualization and as a means of communication
- Performance of technical analyses, including statistical analyses and tolerance analyses
- Cooperation with engineers and project teams to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness and compliance with quality standards
- Maintenance and management of CAD data in the PDM system (S4)
Alexander G.
Last position:
Development, Sales, Marketing at GECKO SPA GMBH
- development of walk-on pool covers
- design of automated assemblies in CAD (Creo Parametric)
- rendering with Keyshot and creating AR files (AR360.io)
- marketing, sales, manufacturing and assembly
Cedric E.
Last position:
Engineering & Project Consultant at smair GmbH
- Development & certification of advanced, efficient maintenance and restoration solutions for commercial aircraft cabins.
Björn K.
Last position:
Development Engineer Control Concepts at TU Chemnitz
- Development and validation of control concepts for grid stabilization with MATLAB/Simulink.
- Modeling of converters (VISMA), grids, and loads to study frequency and phase behavior during load steps.
- Analysis of the influence of inertia, damping, and controller parameters on stability, power output, and ROCOF.
- Development of adaptive control strategies to improve synchronization and dynamic grid support.
- Creation of automated simulation and evaluation tools to assess different scenarios and parameters.
Meris B.
Last position:
Owner, CAM Technician at CNC BRUDER e.U.
- CAD/CAM/CNC services with own TopSolid license
- Parametric CAD design
- CAM programming for turning and milling machining centers
- CNC contract manufacturing
Rudolf V.
Last position:
Founder / Development, Design & Control Engineering in Special Machine Building & Automation at CONTEC von Niederhäusern
- Set up a small workshop for turning, milling and drilling (from 2001)
- Managed process control systems (from 2003)
- Introduced 3D CAD Swiss Precision Engineer (Cimalog) and later switched to Solid Edge (from 2007)
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Design Engineers statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
23 years
Position duration
6.5 years
Positions per freelancer
11
Top business areas
Product Development, Quality Assurance, Production
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy
Certification focus areas
Product Development, Quality Assurance, Operations
Bachelor's degree or higher
78%
Master's degree or higher
47%
Doctorate
5%
Certifications per freelancer
2
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
92%
Based on our profile pool as of 21 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates for Design Engineers
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 21 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Design Engineers experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (84%)
- Automotive (57%)
- Energy (34%)
- Construction (27%)
- Aerospace and Defense (26%)
- Professional Services (20%)
- Information Technology (19%)
- Education (16%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the role
Bridging Conception and Production
Design Engineers turn abstract product concepts into functional, manufacturable realities. Working at the intersection of creative industrial design and analytical engineering, these specialists ensure that new products are not only visually appealing but also structurally sound, cost-effective, and compliant with industry standards. They translate initial sketches into highly detailed technical specifications and structural layouts.
Core Engineering Capabilities
Experienced freelancers in this field bring a deep understanding of material properties, production techniques, and mechanical systems. They select the appropriate plastics, metals, or composites for each application based on stress requirements and manufacturing methods.
- Creation of parameterized 3D CAD models and assemblies
- Generation of production-ready 2D technical drawings with GD&T
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate stress and thermal behavior
- Tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure flawless assembly integration
- Prototyping and testing coordination to validate performance
Software and Technical Tooling
Modern engineering design relies on sophisticated digital tools. Freelancers must be highly proficient in industry-standard CAD suites such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, or PTC Creo. Additionally, they utilize simulation software like ANSYS or Fusion 360 to test digital prototypes before physical manufacturing begins, reducing development costs and shortening time-to-market.
When to Onboard a Freelancer
Companies hire contract designers to handle capacity bottlenecks during intense product development cycles or to access niche knowledge for a specific launch. Whether introducing a new consumer electronic device, automotive component, or medical instrument, a freelance expert can inject immediate technical capability without the long-term overhead of a permanent hire. They quickly integrate into existing engineering teams and adapt to internal PLM systems.
Focus on Design for Manufacturing
A critical value of a seasoned design specialist is their commitment to Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Assembly (DFMA). They optimize parts for injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, machining, or additive manufacturing. By refining geometry early, they eliminate unnecessary production steps, reduce material waste, and prevent expensive tooling modifications late in the development cycle.
Key Deliverables of the Role
- Complete 3D CAD models optimized for production tooling
- Comprehensive technical documentation and bills of materials
- FEA simulation reports detailing structural integrity and optimization
- Functional physical prototypes and validation test protocols
- DFM review documentation highlighting cost-reduction adjustments
Frequently asked questions
What clients ask us most about Design Engineers — answered in short.
A freelance Design Engineer develops physical products by translating industrial design concepts into functional 3D CAD models and technical drawings. They select appropriate materials, perform structural simulations, and optimize designs for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
An industrial designer focuses primarily on user experience, aesthetics, ergonomics, and the visual identity of a product. In contrast, a design engineer is responsible for the technical feasibility, mechanical functionality, material selection, structural integrity, and manufacturability of the final product.
The choice of software depends on the industry. Most design engineers work with industry-standard platforms such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, PTC Creo, or Siemens NX to build parametric models and generate detailed production drawings.
A top-tier mechanical design engineer is evaluated by their portfolio of successfully manufactured products and their understanding of production processes. Look for proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, hands-on prototyping experience, and strong knowledge of manufacturing constraints.
Yes, a product design engineer can easily complete 3D modeling, simulation, and technical documentation remotely. However, physical prototyping phases or assembly testing may occasionally benefit from brief on-site visits to coordinate with labs or machine shops.
Freelance mechanical design specialists are highly sought after in consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, medical device development, and industrial machinery, where rapid prototyping and precise product iteration are essential.
Hiring a freelance CAD design engineer allows companies to scale their engineering capacity dynamically during peak product development cycles. It grants instant access to specialized industry expertise for a single product launch without long-term commitment.
To begin, a product designer requires a clear product design specification document, aesthetic concepts or sketches, dimensional constraints, target material preferences, estimated production volumes, and the chosen manufacturing processes.
The average hourly rate for Design Engineers is 83 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 666 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Design Engineers, 78% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 47% hold at least a Master's degree, and 5% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Design Engineers have 23 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 6.5 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Design Engineers are German (98%), English (92%), and French (22%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Design Engineers are Manufacturing (84%), Automotive (57%), and Energy (34%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Design Engineers are Product Development (99%), Quality Assurance (56%), and Production (53%).
FRATCH Design Engineers main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home all over Germany — available on-site in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and every major business hub, or fully remote. Choose a city to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin 
Munich 
Cologne In Austria our freelancers and interim experts support companies from Vienna to Graz — on-site where your project needs them, or fully remote. Choose a city to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Vienna Graz Across Switzerland our specialists are active in Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern — working on-site or fully remote. Choose a city to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Zurich Geneva Basel Bern Countries:
Request a free demo
Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
Would you rather directly get in touch?
We always have the time for a call or email!
Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
