Mechincal Engineer / ID- Premium Aluminum Smart Pet Product (CAD to Prototype, Production-Intent)

I'm the founder of a premium pet-tech hardware brand — an architectural aluminum enclosure with an integrated electronics module (camera, sensors, small mechanical dispenser) and a companion app. I'm hiring an individual designer/engineer — not an agency — to take a detailed internal spec to a build-ready CAD package and support assembly of one proof-of-concept unit, with geometry designed for production tooling (extrusion, injection molding, die casting) from day one, not just the prototype. Deliverables (milestones): M0: Half-day DFM/feasibility review against real component dimensions M1: Design pattern/aesthetic studies, enclosure massing, sightline/ergonomic study M2: Frame and structural CAD, closure/latch integration, internal mechanism v1 M3: Build-ready CAD (STEP + flat DXFs + print files), dimensioned for named fabrication vendors; all tooled-part geometry DFM-compliant for its eventual production process M4: Assembly drawings + fit-check support + mechanism iteration (multiple print revisions expected) You're a fit if you have: -5+ years consumer product ID/ME with shipped physical products -SolidWorks (true sheet-metal & weldment workflows) — portfolio required -Real DFM experience across extrusion, injection molding, and die casting -Experience with instant-quote fab vendors (SendCutSend, Xometry, etc.) -Bonus: pet products, consumer electronics enclosures, or managing a custom extrusion vendor How to apply: Send 2–3 portfolio pieces of production consumer products you engineered (not renders — things that got manufactured) and your SolidWorks sheet-metal experience in one sentence. Full technical spec shared with shortlisted candidates under NDA before final selection.