Hire the Best Process Engineers
in the United States

More than 3,000 reviews on G2
Rating is 4.5 out of 5.
4.5/5
of Upwork by G2 peer reviewers
Colleen S.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

$150/hr
4.9
223 jobs

I help deep-tech companies solve difficult engineering problems — from modeling and validation to prototype development, scale-up, and commercialization. With a PhD in engineering and 25 years of experience in R&D, engineering analysis, manufacturing, and technology development, I work with companies when technical decisions have significant consequences for cost, performance, timelines, and investment risk. For the past 10 years, I have also worked as a startup advisor, helping more than 175 deep-tech companies evaluate technology risk, develop R&D strategies, pursue non-dilutive funding, and transition innovations from research concepts toward commercial products. My approach combines first-principles engineering, mathematical modeling, experimental analysis, and practical manufacturing experience. I do not just analyze data — I help teams understand whether their technology will work, what risks remain, and what engineering decisions should be made next. ## Engineering Services ### Engineering Modeling & Simulation I develop engineering models to evaluate and improve complex systems, including: * Heat transfer and thermal management analysis * Fluid flow and pressure-drop modeling * Transport phenomena modeling * Electrochemical system modeling * Performance prediction and optimization * Python- and MATLAB-based engineering analysis * Literature-based correlation development and validation I have experience with engineering modeling tools including MATLAB, Python, MixSim, and multiphysics simulation approaches. ### Prototype Development & Technical Validation I help companies evaluate whether prototypes are technically ready for the next stage by assessing: * Performance claims and supporting data * Experimental design and validation methods * Failure modes and technical risks * Technology readiness level (TRL) * Scale-up challenges * Design improvements needed before commercialization ### Manufacturing & Scale-Up Engineering My engineering background includes semiconductor and pharmaceutical production environments, where I worked on process improvement, technology transfer, and manufacturing challenges. I help companies evaluate: * Lab-to-production transition risks * Process sensitivity and yield challenges * Materials and equipment selection * Manufacturability constraints * Cost and scalability assumptions * Production readiness ### Deep-Tech Technical Due Diligence For investors, founders, and leadership teams, I provide technical assessments of: * Engineering assumptions * Prototype maturity * Validation discipline * Development timelines * Scale-up risks * R&D strategy The goal is to identify technical vulnerabilities before they become expensive problems. ## SBIR, STTR & Federal Funding Strategy I also support deep-tech companies pursuing non-dilutive funding, including SBIR, STTR, DOE, NSF, NIH, and ARPA-E programs. Over the past decade, I have advised more than 175 deep-tech startups on federal funding strategy, commercialization planning, and R&D architecture. Services include: * Technical strategy development * Research plan structure * Milestone and risk-reduction planning * TRL alignment * Commercialization planning * Phase I to Phase II transition strategy * Technical narrative development My advantage is that I approach funding strategy from an engineering perspective. A strong proposal requires more than good writing — it requires a technically defensible development plan. ## Background PhD Engineer with 25 years of experience in: * Research and development engineering * Manufacturing engineering * Semiconductor and pharmaceutical production environments * Mathematical modeling and simulation * Transport phenomena and engineering analysis * Design of experiments * Technology transfer * Prototype development * Deep-tech commercialization Previous organizations include: * Draper Laboratory * Catalent I have served as a federal reviewer for NSF, DOE, NIH, and related programs, giving me insight into how technical proposals and commercialization plans are evaluated. ## Books & Publications Author of 9 books covering engineering, commercialization, and federal funding strategy.

  • Commercialization
  • Business Coaching
  • Business Consulting
  • Business Plan
  • Research Proposals
  • Startup Consulting
  • Management Consulting
  • Grant Application
  • Grant Documentation
  • Venture Capital Consulting
  • Grant Proposal
  • Engineering Management
  • Gap Analysis
  • Research & Strategy
  • Information Technology
Angela R.

New Hill, North Carolina

$20/hr
5.0
5 jobs

Communicative Scientist with 20+ years of experience ranging from academic research labs to regulated toxicology testing, to manufacturing tech transfer throughout all stages of drug/ process development. GLP and GMP experience Report, SOP and Protocol Authorship Regulatory submissions ICH Regulations Technical Transfer Documentation Project Management Cross-functional communication

  • Process Development
  • Process Improvement
  • Data Entry
  • General Transcription
  • Academic Research
  • Project Management
  • Microsoft Project
  • Customer Care
Kyle J.

Denver, Colorado

$250/hr
5.0
116 jobs

Are you a founder or CEO of a 7–8 figure business ready to scale—but bogged down in day-to-day operations? If your company feels stuck in the weeds and you're constantly putting out fires instead of focusing on growth, it’s time to bring in operational leadership that creates clarity, structure, and momentum. I'm a C-level operator with a proven track record of leading and mentoring 8-figure companies. I specialize in transforming operational chaos into streamlined, scalable systems—and helping teams evolve as their business matures. Whether you're looking for a fractional COO or strategic consulting, I help businesses: -Streamline operations to reduce overhead and increase capacity -Build and align high-performing teams around clear KPIs and ownership -Improve financial visibility and forecasting for sustainable growth -Navigate change as you transition from startup to a structured, scalable company If you're ready for experienced, no-fluff operational support that drives real results—let’s connect.

  • Process Development
  • Process Optimization
  • Project Management
  • Product Development
  • Business with 1-9 Employees
  • Business with 100-999 Employees
  • Business with 10-99 Employees
  • Management Consulting
  • Project Management Office
  • Business Operations
  • Startup Company
  • Team Alignment
Dave B.

Chandler, Arizona

$25/hr
5.0
7 jobs

***SEASONED CONSULTANT WITH > 500 BILLABLE HOURS IF YOU INCLUDE NON UPWORK ACTIVITIES. I help businesses reduce costs, eliminate waste, and boost efficiency through Lean and Six Sigma methods. With 40+ years in manufacturing engineering and operations, I’ve led projects that improved quality, accelerated throughput, and saved clients millions. I have also created course material and taught numerous Green Belt/ Black Six Sigma, Excel, Minitab, Design of Experiments and other statistical software classes. If you’re struggling with delays, bottlenecks, or high defect rates, I can help you identify root causes, implement sustainable improvements, and deliver measurable ROI. If you need to take your career to a next level, I'm here to provide training and 1:1 hands on assistance. What I Offer: - Process Optimization & Lean Implementation – streamline workflows, reduce cycle time, and remove bottlenecks - Six Sigma Projects (DMAIC / DMADV) – data-driven problem solving, defect reduction, and process capability improvement - Training & Coaching – teach and mentor teams in Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methods - Root Cause Analysis – identify and eliminate recurring issues that impact cost, quality, or delivery - KPI Development & Dashboards – define metrics that matter, and track improvements with clear visuals - Operational Excellence Audits – evaluate current processes and design a roadmap to improvement Why Clients Choose Me: - Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with hands-on industry experience (not just theory) - 40+ years of proven results in manufacturing, engineering, and operations - Strong communicator who adapts complex methods into practical steps for your team - Focused on measurable results: cycle time, yield, cost savings, customer satisfaction Let’s Work Together: If you need to fix broken processes, boost efficiency, or hit aggressive business goals, I can help. Message me today to discuss your project—I’m ready to help you deliver results.

  • Process Improvement
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Six Sigma
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Statistics
  • Tutoring
  • Lean Consulting
  • Finance
  • Quality Assurance
  • Data Analysis
  • Experiment Design
  • Microsoft Office
  • HTML
Daniel T.

Bell Gardens, California

$60/hr
4.8
9 jobs

Current Thermal Process Engineer working in the design and analysis of fired heaters, steam methane reformers, & ethylene crackers with 7+ years of experience designing and performing analysis on complex thermal systems including fired steam generators, environmental control units, chiller systems, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels. Possesses a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the California State University, Los Angeles and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Thermal and Fluid Sciences from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Looking to utilize advanced thermal fluid knowledge and implement computational software in the analysis and design of complex thermal systems.

  • CFD Analysis
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Thermodynamics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
Michael B.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

$90/hr
5.0
40 jobs

Hi, I'm Mike, founder of End Effect LLC. I have 15+ years of experience in manufacturing and hardware design, in both R&D and production environments. I am a certified Solidworks Expert and can quickly help bring your concepts to life, or refine an already existing process, product, or workflow. My experience across different industries and my diverse hands on manufacturing experience allow me to help design your product with quality, budget, and timeline in mind. Clear and active communication, first class service, and sustainable solutions for my clients are the pillars of my work. If you have a product or project you need help with, feel free to reach out! SERVICES OFFERED: ✅ 3D design in Solidworks, including machines, mechanisms, tooling, structures, and more ✅ Process development, work cell design, and continuous improvement through 5S and LEAN ✅ Reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and optimizing for functionality and manufacturing ✅Structural, modal, thermal, and other FEA analyses, as well as motions studies ✅ Sourcing vendors for prototyping or high volume manufacturing ✅ Writing and conducting test plans to validate new products or processes ✅Creating manufacturing-ready drawings and work instructions ✅ Project management and general engineering consultations INDUSTRIES SERVED: - Aerospace - Industrial - Consumer Products - Energy - Medical Device MANUFACTURING METHODS I CAN DESIGN FOR: - CNC Machining - Welding - 3D Printing - Injection Molding - Extrusion and Pultrusion - Urethane Casting - Waterjet & Plasma Cutting - Sheet Metal - Composites - And more...

  • Engineering Design
  • Mechanical Design
  • Rapid Prototyping
  • SolidWorks
  • 3D Modeling
  • Product Development
  • Product Design
  • 3D Printing
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Mechatronics
  • Manufacturing
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Research & Development

How it works

Post a job for freePost a job

Tell us what you need. Create your own job post or generate one with AI then filter talent matches.

Hire top talent fast

Consult, interview, and hire quickly, so you can meet the freelancers you're excited about.

Collaborate easily

Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.

Payment simplified

Manage payments in one place with flexible billing options. Only pay for approved work, hourly or by milestone.

Don't just take our word for it

How do I hire a Process Engineer in the United States on Upwork?

You can hire a Process Engineer in the United States on Upwork in four simple steps:

  • Create a job post tailored to your Process Engineer project scope. We'll walk you through the process step by step.
  • Browse top Process Engineer talent on Upwork and invite them to your project.
  • Once the proposals start flowing in, create a shortlist of top Process Engineer profiles and interview.
  • Hire the right Process Engineer for your project from Upwork, the world's largest work marketplace.

At Upwork, we believe talent staffing should be easy.

How much does it cost to hire a Process Engineer?

Rates charged by Process Engineers on Upwork can vary with a number of factors including experience, location, and market conditions. See hourly rates for in-demand skills on Upwork.

Why hire a Process Engineer in the United States on Upwork?

As the world's work marketplace, we connect highly-skilled freelance Process Engineers and businesses and help them build trusted, long-term relationships so they can achieve more together. Let us help you build the dream Process Engineer team you need to succeed.

Can I hire a Process Engineer in the United States within 24 hours on Upwork?

Depending on availability and the quality of your job post, it's entirely possible to sign up for Upwork and receive Process Engineer proposals within 24 hours of posting a job description.