Freelance Mechanical Engineering Consultant

THRIVE is more than a consulting firm. We're a team passionate about turning innovative ideas into reality. We blend creativity with practicality to push the limits of mechanical engineering. Whether we're working on consumer goods, industrial equipment, or medical devices, our team is dedicated to making innovative concepts work in the real world.

We are looking for a senior level Mechanical Engineering Consultant who is passionate about designing innovative new products and has a proven track record in product and system design. This contracted role is perfect for someone who seeks technical and programmatic ownership and enjoys working in an interdisciplinary team to rapidly evaluate design feasibility. 

We're especially keen to connect with individuals or small agency owners interested in forming a long-term contract partnership with us.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take technical and programmatic ownership of consulting engagements to deliver robust designs from concept through pilot manufacture.
• Rapidly evaluate design feasibility to help clients select product architectures as a key contributor in an interdisciplinary team.
• Engage in hands-on project management, overseeing the full product development cycle from concept to pilot production.
• Utilize CAD tools, particularly Solidworks, to create complex assemblies and models.
• Design and analyze injection molded parts, sheet metal parts, and conduct material and plating selection.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis as part of design work using a combination of hand calculations and software tools like FEA and CFD.
• Navigate and comply with regulatory standards and manage projects and teams to ensure successful product commercialization.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME); Master's (MSME) is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of technical design and project management experience in product and system design (not components).
• At least 2 years of consulting experience in a design, engineering, or product development consultancy.
• Expertise in Solidworks CAD and experience with large CAD assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience in designing injection molded and sheet metal parts, including complexity and volume considerations.
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering analysis (strength of materials, heat transfer, tolerance analysis, FEA, shock, and vibration).
• Proven track record in project management, including full responsibility for budget, staff, and scope.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with clients and suppliers.
• Experience in cross-disciplinary electromechanical design and hands-on lab work is highly regarded.

Other Notes:

• Preference will be given to candidates based in Atlanta, GA or those located in the Eastern Standard Time zone.