SolidWorks developers (aka SolidWorks designers or modelers) are skilled professionals who use specialized CAD software to transform product concepts into detailed 3D models, technical drawings, and manufacturing-ready designs. Whether you need product prototyping, engineering documentation, or simulation analysis, hiring a SolidWorks developer can accelerate your design process and improve product quality across a broad scope of industrial sectors.
What does a SolidWorks developer do?
SolidWorks developers use specialized CAD software to transform product concepts into detailed technical drawings, 3D models, and animations for prototyping and production. Operating primarily on Microsoft Windows, SolidWorks is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) application that can be used to create blueprints, material guidelines, and precise measurements.
Common responsibilities of a SolidWorks developer include developing 3D models and assemblies, producing technical drawings with bills of materials (BOM) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME standards, and creating detailed 2D drawings from 3D models. They may also conduct design reviews, develop DriveWorks configuration projects, and maintain fabrication documentation.
Key technical skills include 3D modeling expertise, part design, assembly modeling, sheet metal design, simulation tools, design for manufacturing (DFM), and geometric dimensioning. Effective SolidWorks developers are also strong analytical thinkers, excellent communicators, and team collaborators.
SolidWorks professionals may hold certifications such as Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) or Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP). Many employers prefer candidates with degrees in CAD, computer science, or mechanical engineering. These developers work across diverse industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and product design.
How to hire a SolidWorks developer on Upwork
Upwork can help you connect with SolidWorks developers worldwide. To quickly find the right person for your project, follow these four simple steps.
Step 1: Post the job
Your job posting serves as the first point of contact with potential candidates. A detailed posting will help qualified SolidWorks developers find your project when they search for work.
Use a concise, keyword-rich title that includes "SolidWorks developer" to attract the right talent
List specific deliverables such as 3D models, technical drawings, or assembly designs
Detail industry-specific experience needed for your particular niche
Specify required file formats (native SolidWorks files, STEP, STL, PDF drawings)
Establish your timeline and budget expectations clearly
To create a tailored job post quickly, try the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI. Describe what you need in a few sentences, and Uma will craft a job post in seconds. You can also review job description templates and examples for inspiration, as well as a CAD designer job description template for more ideas.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
As proposals come in, you’ll want to take an approach to reviewing them that is both thorough and efficient, and that helps you assess both technical proficiency and relevant experience.
Have Uma give instant video interviews and side-by-side comparisons
Use Upwork’s filters to find candidates by rate, location, and experience
Review profiles with an eye for work history and specific CAD qualifications
Examine portfolios for renderings and models similar to your project needs
Look for case studies showing the challenges a project faced, how the candidate overcame them, and the ultimate results of the project
Step 3: Interview your top choices
A quick video interview gives you the chance to ask any questions you have left for your top choices, and to get a feel for what a collaboration with them might be like.
Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork messaging to get instant transcripts and summaries from Uma
Ask candidates about their experience with similar projects and specific SolidWorks features
Discuss their design process, revision policies, and typical turnaround times
Evaluate problem-solving approaches through scenario-based questions
If you’re unfamiliar with interviewing freelancers, you can refer to common interview questions to help keep your conversations focused and productive.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Once you’ve found the right person, you can send a contract directly through the Upwork marketplace. A solid contract protects both parties and helps collaborations be successful from beginning to end.
Use Upwork's contract workroom, messaging, and payment protection for secure collaboration
Choose fixed-price contracts for projects with clear deliverables, such as a single-component 3D model or flat pattern development
Separate complex projects into clear milestones, such as initial requirements gathering, concept sketches, review and revision, and final deliverable of the 3D model
Choose hourly contracts for ongoing work or projects without clear deliverables, such as stress tests for different concepts for large and ongoing projects
Once the contract has started, be sure to give the designer everything they need to succeed, including a clear brief detailing the project and access to resources such as specs.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.