Finding freelance engineering professionals for your project can be difficult. Just know you are not alone. Whether you need someone to support current production or install a complex machine, hiring the right freelance engineer can make all the difference. But how do you sort through the contract engineering talent to find that perfect fit for your project?
In this guide, I will teach you everything you need to know about finding and hiring the best freelance engineers in your industry.
What are freelance engineers?
Freelancers or independent contract engineers are hired on a temporary, project-by-project basis rather than as full-time employees. They come in when you need a specific set of engineering skills for a particular project, perform their job, and then move on to the next project.
Unlike permanent employees, these professionals are not tied down to one specific company. Instead, they work with multiple clients and bring their engineering expertise with them when the client needs support.
These engineers are flexible, adaptable, and often have vast experience because they are working on a wide variety of projects within their industry. This means they should not need training to operate equipment and offer fresh industry insights and solutions that might not have been thought of before by in-house staff.
Different Types Of Freelance Engineers:
Before I talk about finding the right freelance engineer, let’s go over the industries where you can find these professionals working:
- Design Engineering
- Weld Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Controls Engineering
- Automation Engineering
- Robot Programmers
- Project Managers
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
How to find the right professional engineer for the job?
Finding engineering contractors for your project can feel a bit daunting, especially with so many talented engineering freelancers out there. But don’t worry, I will break down the process into manageable steps anyone can take to make the search process a whole lot easier.
Here is how you can zero in on the perfect freelance engineer for your job:
1. Understand Your Project Needs:
Before you even start searching, make sure you’re crystal clear on what your project requirements are. Do you need someone to manage people, support production, or install new equipment?
Knowing exactly what skill set and experience are needed will help you target the right type of engineer. Write down a detailed project description or scope of work (SOW) that includes deadlines, safety information, and any specific technical requirements the role requires.
Here’s an example outline that you can use to define what you need before you hire potential candidates:
Project Overview:
- Project Name
- Project Type
- Objective
- Location
Scope of Work:
- Main Tasks
- Subtasks
Required Skills and Experience:
- Primary Skills
- Years of Experience
- Certifications (if applicable
Technical Requirements:
- Software/Tools
- Materials
- Standards/Regulations
Deadlines and Milestones:
- Start Date
- Estimated Hours Per Week
- Key Milestones
- Final Deadline
Budget Type:
- Total Budget
- Payment Structure
- Hourly Rate or Fixed Price
Communication Preferences:
- Preferred Communication Channels
- Frequency of Updates
- Point of Contact
Deliverables:
- Physical Deliverables
- Digital Deliverables
- Documentation
Potential Challenges:
- Technical Challenges
- Logistical Challenges
- Risk Management
Selection Criteria:
- Experience with similar projects
- Availability to meet deadlines
- Compatibility with company culture and team
- Cost and value
Download this Project Overview example document to see how to provide information to your freelance contractor properly.
Download this Project Overview Word document and start gathering information on your project so you are ready to provide information to your freelance contractor!
2. Check Credentials And Experience:
Once you have a list of potential candidates, dig into their backgrounds with your technical experts. Look for qualifications like degrees, certifications, and relevant experience.
A good engineer should have a solid educational background and a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills. Don’t hesitate to ask for specific project examples of past assignments similar to your project. This will give you and the team confidence that the contractor can handle your unique project task list.
3. Review Their Portfolio:
An engineer’s portfolio is like a window into their prior work. It shows you what they’ve done and how well they’ve done it, as well as a proven record of their experience.
Most freelance engineers will keep a detailed log of prior work experience. Look for projects that align with what your team is aiming to accomplish. Pay attention to the engineering details and ask questions to get a better understanding of their background.
Do the answers to the technical problems they have provided reflect the creativity and problem-solving skills your team needs? A strong and detailed engineering portfolio is a great indicator of what you can expect from the contractor.
4. Read Client Reviews And Testimonials:
Most freelance engineers can provide reviews or testimonials from previous clients, especially if they’re listed on platforms that offer freelance engineering services.
These reviews can give you insight into their reliability, communication skills, and overall work ethic. Look for patterns in the client feedback, and see if you notice any consistent praise for critical thinking, timelines, communication, technical knowledge, or other key factors relevant to your project. If you notice any complaints about time off or absences, lack of knowledge or experience, or poor communication, these should all be a “red flag.”
5. Ask For References:
If you’re still unsure if asking for references is a smart move. A reputable engineer will have no problem connecting you with past clients they have worked with. When you speak to these references, ask about the engineer’s ability to meet deadlines, how they handled challenges, and whether they were easy to work with. A quick 5-minute conversation can provide valuable peace of mind, especially when working with someone new for the first time.
6. Evaluate Communication Skills:
Good communication is the key to any successful project. During your initial interactions, pay attention to how well the freelance engineer communicates with you and your team.
Are they responsive to your emails, calls, or text messages? Do they ask clarifying technical questions to understand your project needs fully? Can they articulate very difficult and technical topics to upper management in simple and easy ways to validate why they are doing things a certain way? Can they present things visually, not just verbally in a way others can learn about the topic?
These are all questions you must ask yourself before hiring anyone. Clear and proactive communication from the very start is a strong indicator that the engineer will be able to keep everyone looped in throughout the project’s entirety.
7. Consider a Test Project:
Sometimes, companies will provide a contractor with a test problem to solve or explain during the interview process. This allows the company to evaluate the freelance engineer’s skills and working style before committing to the contract terms.
A test project is a low-risk way to see if they are the right fit without having to spend a lot of money. A successful test project can also build some trust between the company and the freelance engineer and can set the tone for a great working relationship on more important tasks that will be requested in the future.
8. Discuss Scope And Expectations Upfront:
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice, make sure to have a clear discussion about the project scope of work (SOW). Talk about deadlines, schedules, management, and what’s expected from both sides. Make sure everything is listed in a contract so there’s no room for future misunderstandings. Clear expectations lead to smooth project execution.
9. Trust Your Gut:
At the end of the day, don’t underestimate your instincts. If an engineer checks all the boxes but something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking. Finding engineering contractors isn’t just about finding someone with skills. It’s being able to mesh with a team and finding some laughs in difficult places while also knowing when and how to communicate in a highly stressful work environment.
Feeling comfortable with a contract employee who is genuinely interested in helping you achieve your company’s goals can truly be a helpful resource that the company may use for years to come.
Where to source the top freelance engineers?
Are you ready to find an experienced engineer for your business? There are hundreds of places to look, but we’ve compiled some of the best engineering platforms with highly skilled professionals in various fields of engineering:
JOINER Services is a specialized engineering service platform designed to connect engineering professionals with companies who need contract engineering labor support. It’s an excellent place to find specialized freelance talent across various engineering disciplines. You can find engineering professionals in specializations like:
- Weld Engineering
- Controls Engineering
- Robotic Programming
- Electrical Engineering
- Program Management
- Engineering Consulting
- Welding Automation
- Design Engineering
- Robotics Engineering Consulting
- Project Management
- Joining Engineering
- Industrial Automation
Create a business profile for free when you join today, and start looking through contractor profiles. Their engineering contractors are verified by its extensive, unbiased screening process to ensure that each company finds the highest quality workers.
Once a project is completed, clients on JOINER Services will provide a review of each contractor, which helps screen their pool of engineers.
Industry Events:
Attend conferences, trade shows, and industry networking events related to your business sector. These events are great for meeting freelance engineers in person and building working relationships that could lead to successful collaborations on future projects.
Referrals:
Word of mouth is one of the most reliable ways to find top talent. Ask business colleagues, old college friends, or other industry professionals if they can recommend any freelance engineers they have worked with and trust.
LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is not just for job seekers. It’s also a great place for companies to search and find freelance professionals. Many engineers showcase their technical skills, past work, and availability on their LinkedIn profiles. You can search for engineers with specific skills or join relevant LinkedIn groups where freelancers often post about their engineering services.
University And Alumni Networks:
Many universities have job boards or alumni networks where you can post job opportunities looking for contractors. Engineering departments often have students or recent graduates who are looking for freelance work while they are in between jobs or are full-time contractors.
Professional Associations:
Many engineering fields have professional associations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), who are often looking for contract support. These organizations often have engineering jobs or business directories where you can find freelance engineers related to your industry.
What are the rates for freelance engineers?
The rates for freelance engineers can vary widely based on several factors, including their level of expertise, the complexity of the project, the specific engineering discipline, and the projects geographic location. Below, I provide a general breakdown of what you might expect to see.
Experience Level Rates:
- Entry-Level Engineers: $35 to $65 per hour.
- Mid-Level Engineers: $65 to $100 per hour.
- Senior Engineers: $100 to $200+ per hour.
Fixed-Price Projects:
Some engineers may offer fixed-price contracts for well-defined projects, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars for simpler tasks to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for large, and highly complex projects.
Other Cost Considerations:
- Consultation Fees: Some engineering consultants charge an initial consultation fee, which could cost $1,000 or more for an initial review of the project scope.
- Retainers: For new work, engineers may require a retainer fee, which can vary depending on the scope and duration of the engagement. It could be anywhere from 10–50%, of the amount owed for the duration of the project.
- Per Diem: This cost covers daily lodging and food for the freelancer.
- Travel Expenses: Often times the client is required to cover the cost of travel expenses such as airfare, rental car, or hotel accommodations.
Find top freelance engineering professionals on JOINER Services!
Finding the right freelance engineering professional doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you need an automation engineer to support the integration of new equipment, a welding engineer to support your welding operations, or a design engineer to create 3D functional models, the key is knowing where to look and what to look for.
By understanding your project’s needs, checking credentials, and carefully reviewing contractor portfolios, you can connect with the perfect freelancer who can deliver exactly what you need.
Ready to find the perfect freelance engineer for your next project? Join for free today!
Create your business account, browse through verified professionals, and start building your dream team. With an engineering service platform specifically designed to connect companies with top-tier engineering professionals, JOINER Services makes it easy to find the right experts for your business goals.
