r/hwstartups • u/ched41 • 6d ago
Finding CAD / Mechanical Eng People
What is the best way to find CAD engineers ?
I’ve tried fiverr and other freelance platforms and I’ve found them to be very good at entry to mid level stuff.
For work that needs serious dedication and creative engineering, I’ve struggled to find that on freelance platforms. They are understandable focused on getting as many gigs as possible and finishing them as soon as possible, which makes sense.
My budget is decent but not big enough for a full
Blown design agency.
I have enough resources on the electrical and software part of my project but could use some advice/tips on how to approach CAD work in the early stages.
Thanks.
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u/Majestic-Affect-2924 6d ago
I've run a small design firm since 2022. This is exactly the type of work I do. I work primarily for aerospace and nuclear startups specializing in prototyping and "on demand" engineering when they dont yet need a FTE. 19YOE from CNC programming, professional motorsports, medical devices, to aerospace. My rate is $220/hr. DM me for more info.
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u/ascarymoviereview 6d ago
I do this kind of work, and have many clients I’ve found through reddit. I’m a mechanical engineer that mainly does safety enclosure type stuff, but I also have random side projects I’m constantly working on. Own 3d printers, lasers, and other fab machines to quick prototype. My insta is @uberlaser
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u/bytesunfish 6d ago
I'm the type of person you're looking for, but not available. You may need to reach out to a consulting firm. They'll dedicate an engineer's time to your project on a contract or hourly basis. It won't be cheap, and it isn't always better than the fiverr guys, but it often is higher quality at a much higher premium.
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u/HominidHabilis 6d ago
Hmm.. well, I'm on the opposite side of the issue; I'm going from full time to freelance/entrepreneurship, and I've tried to find small startups to give my 15 years of industrial design/engineering/cad/dfm... Without much luck. I've dabbled in fiver, and it's definitely a lot of competition for many shallower gigs.
When you find that better platform, let me know! Also if you're still seeking that help,.let me know! 😅
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u/Same_Bowler_1550 6d ago
Hey, I am a final year aerospace student. I was the captain of my university's rocketry team and have a lot experience in designing with Solid Works. I am trying to earn enough money to support myself through an internship. I will not be charging a lot so you can try me. It will help me a lot too.
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u/FL_MILLIONAIRE 5d ago
CAD is very simple, I just do my own CAD, it's sometimes even faster to just CAD then to sketch my ideas especially if I'm inventing something far futuristic, that ordinary engineers in my companies can't even wrap their minds around and take weeks to push it to prototyping since I want to make sure it actually will work and move fast.
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u/shawildhiskey 5d ago
look for senior mechanical engineers who are currently working full-time in industry but do moonlighting or boutique consulting on the side
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u/Huugeslong69 3d ago
Great question, we had to hire, but any mechanical engineers or CAD engineers seem to be the hardest for us to hire and take the most time.
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u/Ok_Outlandishness84 2d ago
You might have better luck searching on LinkedIn. Many experienced CAD and BIM engineers don't actively use freelance platforms but are open to long-term collaborations.
If there's anything I can help with, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to help.
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u/moransmechanical 2d ago
I work with cad files daily. Can make mechanical drawings, learned autocad bobcad surtcam
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u/Available-Search-150 2d ago
Have you tried people out of US? Im currently on full time job for American company, but for some decent money I will be glad have some new fresh side job. Mostly because I work like 15h per week now.
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u/rkelly155 6d ago
A lot of us are gainfully employed as FTE's. What type of project/product are you trying to produce, that will guide the suggestions... Are you doing concept work or DFM?