Senior Mechanical CAD Engineer – Precision Laboratory Automation System (SolidWorks) Anyone

We are looking for an experienced freelance Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of a next-generation acoustic liquid handling system for laboratory automation.

This is an ongoing contract rather than a one-off CAD task. We are looking for someone who can work alongside us as the mechanical design develops over the coming months.

About the project

The system is a high-precision laboratory instrument comprising multiple motion stages, precision machined assemblies, sheet metal chassis, fluidics, and electronic integration. The aim is to develop a compact, manufacturable platform suitable for low-volume production before scaling further.

Current work packages include:

* Main chassis and enclosure design
* Precision source stage assembly
* Linear motion assemblies
* Motor and encoder mounting
* Precision machined aluminium components
* Sheet metal components
* Cable routing and cable management
* Integration of pumps, sensors and electronics
* Design for manufacture (DFM)
* Manufacturing drawings and tolerancing

We already have a significant amount of work completed and are looking for someone to expand and refine the mechanical design.

Essential Skills

* Expert user of SolidWorks
* 8+ years of mechanical design experience
* Experience designing precision mechanical equipment
* Strong understanding of CNC machining
* Experience with sheet metal design
* Assembly modelling
* GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
* Production drawing creation
* Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)

Highly Desirable

Experience designing any of the following:

* Laboratory automation equipment
* Scientific instruments
* Robotics
* Semiconductor equipment
* Medical devices
* Precision motion systems
* Pick-and-place machinery
* Optical or imaging equipment

Experience with linear rails, lead screws/ball screws, stepper or servo motor integration, bearings, encoder systems and precision alignment would be a significant advantage.

Working Arrangement

* Hourly contract
* Initially around 8–16 hours per week, with potential for more as the project progresses
* Long-term collaboration preferred
* Remote working is acceptable
* UK-based engineers are preferred for ease of communication, although exceptional candidates elsewhere will be considered

Deliverables

Typical deliverables include:

* SolidWorks part and assembly files
* Manufacturing drawings
* Bill of materials
* Design reviews
* Suggested design improvements
* Design for manufacture recommendations

Intellectual Property

All work produced during the project, including CAD files, drawings and associated documentation, will become the intellectual property of our company upon payment. An NDA will be required before detailed project information is shared.

If you have experience designing precision automation equipment and enjoy solving challenging mechanical engineering problems, we’d love to hear from you. Please include examples of similar projects, your hourly rate, your availability, and the CAD software you use. read less