Struggling with repetitive tasks bogging down your team? Do you wish your automation processes could run without constant issues?
Hiring a freelance automation engineer can make all the difference in getting your automation engineering processes running smoothly. You need someone who not only understands automation but can also jump right into your project and deliver quality results.
From automating workflows to integrating complex automation systems, finding the right fit is a must. In this article, I will explore what to look for in a freelance engineer, why hiring a freelance engineer might be your best option, and how to find skilled freelance engineering professionals who meet your unique project needs.
What are freelance automation engineers?
Automation engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, integrating, and supporting automated systems, equipment, and processes. Their main goal is to set up processes that handle things automatically, reducing manual tasks, and making production more efficient.
These engineers work in many different fields to help various industries run more smoothly. Below, I list some of the main engineering fields you will find automation engineers:
- Industrial Manufacturing: They set up automation machines, equipment, and systems to handle manufacturing production without or limited human interference.
- Business Operations: They design and create better operational workflows and automate repetitive tasks, like tracking production data, reducing cycle time, or inventory management.
- Logistics And Supply Chain: They automate processes that manage shipments, deliveries, and warehouse operations, making sure everything is delivered on time.
Full-Time vs. Freelance Automation Engineers:
When it comes to choosing between a full-time and freelance automation engineer, it really boils down to flexibility and cost.
Full-Time Engineers: This automation engineer is with you for the long haul, always available to handle your automation needs, but the company is covering salary, benefits, and other basic employee costs. A full-time engineer will remain with the company even after the project is completed, so it is important that they still have work after the project is finished.
Freelance Engineer: A freelance engineering professional gives a company more flexibility. Companies hire them when needed, and only pay for the work they actually do. It’s a more budget-friendly option for companies, especially for short-term or one-off projects. If you’re not looking for ongoing support after the project is over, then a freelancer might just be the smarter choice.
Why use a freelance engineer?
Hiring a freelance automation engineer on a temporary basis comes with a ton of perks, especially if you’re looking for flexibility from someone with extensive experience without having the commitment of hiring a full-time employee. Here is why companies should use freelance contract engineers and why it could be a great decision for your business:
Cost-Effective Solution:
One of the biggest perks of using a freelance engineer is the potential cost savings. Companies only pay for the work that gets done, and you don’t have to worry about full-time salaries, benefit coverage, or overhead after the project. This makes freelancers a more temporary budget-friendly option, especially if you only need them for a short-term project or a specific task.
Flexibility In Hiring:
Freelancers offer workload flexibility that’s hard to beat. You can hire freelance engineers when you need them and stop using them when the project is complete. This flexibility means companies are not locked into a long-term contract or dealing with the complications of managing a permanent employee. If your project needs change or you only need help occasionally, using a freelance engineer can step in and out of the business as required.
Specialized Skills For Specific Needs:
Freelancers often have a deep specialized knowledge from within their field. Since freelancers tend to focus on specific areas of automation, this allows companies to hire someone with highly specialized skills for a project.
Fresh Perspective On Your Process:
When companies hire a freelance automation engineer, you’re bringing in someone with fresh eyes and experience from other automation projects. This outside perspective can offer new ideas, insights, and outside the box thining into how your business can improve its current or future processes. Freelancers often suggest better ways to automate, optimize, or simplify tasks that many companies may not have even considered.
What to look for in a freelance automation engineer?
When you are hiring a freelance automation engineer, you want to make sure you are getting someone who is highly technical for your automated application and can deliver results. But with so many options to hire, how do you know what to look for?
Below, I have created a list of some key things to keep in mind when trying to find engineering contractors.
1. Relevant Work Experience:
First and foremost, check if the freelancer has relevant work experience in the specific type of automation you need. I know it may not be exactly the same, but have they worked on projects similar to yours before? Whether you need help with cycle time improvements, troubleshooting automation, or optimizing automation processes, their past work experience in their resume or portfolio should show they have done similar work before.
2. Automation Knowledge:
Make sure the freelancer is familiar with the tools, programming languages, and automation equipment you are using or plan to use with them. The engineer should be comfortable setting up and managing these types of tools. The more experience they have with the project specifics you are using, the quicker they will be able to deliver results.
3. Problem-Solving Skills:
The automation industry is not always an easy career path. Equipment and systems can and will break down. Automation systems don’t always communicate with each other perfectly, and sometimes, you get random faults along the way. That’s why finding someone who’s a solid problem-solver is an absolute must. Ask the freelancer how they’ve handled challenges in previous projects or worked through complex systems to make them successful. This will give you an understanding of how they problem-solve issues.
4. Good Communicator:
Clear and open communication is key to a successful project. You will want to work with someone who can explain technical stuff in a way that’s easy to understand, and who keeps you updated throughout the project. Look for someone who is responsive, easy to talk to, and willing to collaborate.
5. Attention To Detail:
Automation can be exmermly complex, and even small mistakes can lead to big issues causing downtime, scrap parts or material, or the need for extensive repairs. A good freelance automation engineer pays attention to the details and makes sure everything is set up correctly with automated dry cycle tests. Ask about their process for troubleshooting and quality assurance to make sure that they are thorough in their work.
6. Availability:
Freelancers often juggle multiple clients, on varying schedules, so it’s important to check their availability. Are they able to be on-site for your project during key timelines? Are they flexible if things need to be adjusted or changed along the way? Make sure you discuss timelines and availability upfront to avoid any potential issues!
7. Adaptability:
Staffing support needs can shift during a project, especially when dealing with shipping delays, part shortages, or production delays, which can reveal new opportunities or challenges as things progress. A good freelance automation engineer should be able to adapt to these changes and adjust their needs accordingly. Whether it’s adding new automation, scaling automation, or modifying workflows, they should be flexible enough to handle any project requirement without losing momentum. Make sure the freelancer is comfortable with change and can pivot quickly when needed.
How much does freelance automation engineering cost?
The cost of hiring a freelance automation engineer can vary quite a bit, depending on the engineer’s experience, job location, and the complexity of the automation process. Companies will pay anywhere from $35 to $200 per hour. Below, I will explain some costing structures often used by most freelance engineers.
Hourly Rates:
- Entry-Level Engineers (Jr. Engineers): Entry-level freelance automation engineers who are just starting out or have less experience (1-5 years) may charge around $35 to $65 per hour. These engineers are great for smaller, straightforward projects or support roles where systems are already in place.
- Mid-Level Engineers: Mid-level freelance automation engineers who are more experienced, have several years (5-15 years) under their belt, and have a broader technical skill set, typically charge between $65 and $100 per hour. These engineers are well-suited for projects that involve more advanced systems and where programming from scratch is required.
- Senior Engineers: Senior freelance automation engineers experienced in highly unique automation applications, who can program multiple types of automation equipment, or have experience in complex process automation, can charge anywhere from $100 to $200+ per hour. These experts are perfect for large-scale automation projects that need advanced problem-solving skills and deep knowledge of automation tools and their different platforms.
Project-Based Pricing:
Project-based pricing is generally for large projects or ones that have a defined scope. Many freelance engineers will offer a project-based pricing structure. This is common for more clearly described automation tasks, like installation of equipment or integration of new systems into an already built assembly line.
- Small Projects: Estimated 1-2 weeks of work, can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the project scope of work, number of people, and automation skills required.
- Medium Projects: Estimated 1-3 months of work, typically range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the project scope of work, number of people, and automation skills required.
- Large Projects: Estimated 6-12 months of work, could range from $100,000 to 500,000, depending on the project’s scope of work, number of people, and automation skills required.
Find the best freelance automation engineers on JOINER Services!
If you’re looking for freelance automation engineers who can deliver tailored automation solutions for your business, JOINER Services is the engineering service platform to explore. JOINER connects businesses with engineering professionals who specialize in industrial automation support and offers the following advantages:
- Specialized Talent: Instead of browsing through a sea of general freelancers, JOINER Services focuses on providing access to automation experts. All candidates are pre-screened through JOINER’s vetting process.
- Search Made Simple: JOINER Services easy-to-use platform lets people filter a search based on technical skills, experience, and profession. This helps businesses narrow their search and find the best freelance engineer for any automation project. The platform also show the engineers availablility.
- Flexible Options: Need someone to work on an ongoing basis, or just for a one-off project? Their platform offers flexibility, for remote support, on-site support, or labor support as needed.
- Trusted Client Reviews: You can feel confident in your temporary hire by reading verified reviews from previous clients. These insights give you a clear picture of the engineer’s skills, background, reliability, and work style, so you know what to expect when they are on the job.
- Customize Your Team: JOINER lets you select the best candidates to meet your project requirements and business needs.
Join for free and connect with top freelance professionals today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, I answer some FAQs about freelance automation engineers.
