CAD Mechanical Design Engineer (Robotics) — Concept Design for Proposal WorkProject type: Ongoing, part-time contractCollaboration: Live sessions over Microsoft TeamsLocation: Remote (UK/EU time zones preferred)Start: ASAPAbout usWe’re a UK robotics & automation integrator working with FMCG and consumer-goods manufacturers. We need rapid concept mechanical designs for proposal packs—layouts, envelopes, and early BOMs that help customers visualise solutions and support costing.The roleWork directly with the founder/lead engineer in live Teams working sessions to turn ideas and constraints into clear mechanical concepts for robot-based systems (palletising, packing, end-of-line handling).You’ll translate requirements into quick, tidy CAD that we can drop into proposals the same day.What you’ll produce2–3 concept options per project (as applicable), including:Overall layout with key dimensions & working envelopesRobot reach checks and cell layouts (bases, guarding, infeed/outfeed)Early mechanical scheme for tooling, conveyors, and frames (no full detailing)High-level parts list / rough BOM with assumptionsExported views/renders and STEP for sharingLight mark-ups for cost estimation (materials, bought-outs, risk notes)Must-have skillsCAD: SolidWorks preferred (Inventor/Fusion acceptable if you can deliver STEP + clear source files)Strong background in special-purpose machinery / packaging equipment / robotic cellsCompetence with sheet-metal & fabricated frames, guarding, and bought-out componentsAbility to work fast and clean at concept level; good judgement on what to simplify vs. modelComfortable collaborating live on Teams (screen share, quick whiteboarding)Excellent written English and clear drawing annotationsNice to haveExperience with FANUC/KUKA cells (reach, payload, cycle-time considerations)Basic pneumatics specification for EOAT/grippersAwareness of CE/UKCA guarding principles (PLr, interlocks, access)Basic electrical/mechatronics interfacing awareness (just enough for layout allowances)How we’ll workShort brief before each session (product, rates, target throughput, constraints)60–120 min live design sprints on Teams to sketch, block-model, and converge on a conceptYou tidy files off-call and deliver the agreed outputs (usually within 24–48h)Deliverables & formatsNative CAD files + STEPDimensioned layout PDFs (A3/A1)2–3 annotated renders or screenshots for proposalsBOM/assumptions list (Excel or PDF)BudgetHourly: open to proposals based on speed/portfolioTypical mini-project: 6–12 hours per concept roundComplianceNDA and IP assignment required (work-for-hire).Please confirm you can keep client/product details confidential.To apply (please include):Portfolio: 3–5 examples of robotic cells/special-purpose machinery concept layouts you personally producedTooling note: Which CAD you use and versionSpeed: Typical time to produce a dimensioned layout + STEP + basic BOM from a briefRelevant experience: Robot brands, industries, and any EOAT you’ve designedAvailability: UK-hours availabilityMini prompt (optional but preferred): In 3–6 bullets, outline a concept for a single-robot case-packer cell handling 10 kg cases at 12 cpm with infeed conveyor and pallet outfeed—list key assumptions, envelopes, and obvious risks.