About the role

Grüns is seeking a Freelance 3D Mold-Designer who will partner with our teams to bring innovative mold designs from concept to prototype and production, designing and manufacturing premium gummy molds with precision, scalability, and production fidelity.

This is a U.S. based remote role and part of our fully remote HQ team. This is a contract, part-time role with an hourly rate of $30-$40 USD, based on experience. Expect about 10 hours per week of dedicated work during normal EST business hours, with some flexibility as business needs shift. This is intended to be an ongoing position, and we will evaluate add over time with potential to extend or convert to a longer term team member depending on business needs.

In this role, you will:

• Receive concept designs or existing blue-prints from Grüns and convert them into detailed 3D CAD mold-models.
• Work in software platforms such as SolidWorks and/or UG NX (formerly UG) capable of producing manufacturable designs and output in SolidWorks or STEP file format.
• Apply scale and accuracy checks relevant to gummy manufacturing, like verifying mold cavity volumes using our target gummy-density
• Create 3D design files and blueprints, owning the workflow starting from prototype design onward (mold fabrication drawings, draft angles, parting lines, ejection design, etc.).
• Work in close collaboration with our in-house designers and external teams to ensure branding, compatibility, version control, and manufacturability of the mold designs.
• Provide deliverables in agreed formats (SolidWorks native files, STEP files) and documentation of key dimensions, tolerances, and material/processing assumptions.
• Ensure that mold designs are production-ready, including verification that the cavity volumes and wall thicknesses meet our gummy recipe’s physical constraints.
• Assist with revision cycles based on physical prototyping feedback and mold testing.

Deliverables:

• 3D CAD mold model(s) delivered in SolidWorks native format and STEP file format.
• Documentation of key dimensions, cavity volumes, wall-thicknesses, tolerances, and reference to the gummy density test for scale verification.
• Revision history and version control with the internal team.
• Ready-to-send manufacturing drawings or tooling vendor-ready outputs as needed.
• Support during prototype iteration until final mold sign-off.

We're looking for someone who:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, industrial design, product design, or a related field is required.
• Proven experience in 3D CAD design for manufacturing (preferably mold design, tooling, or product injection/manufacturing tooling- school portfolios are acceptable but proven work experience is preferred).
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks and/or UG NX (UG)- ability to model with precision, apply draft/tolerance features, manage assemblies, and generate STEP files.
• Demonstrated ability to design with manufacturability in mind: understanding mold design fundamentals (parting lines, draft angles, ejector pin layout, material shrinkage, cavity consistency, etc.).
• Comfortable working on relatively small-scale, high-precision molds (such as for confectionery) and collaborating remotely with a small internal design team.

Engagement Terms:

• Freelance/contractor basis.
• Hourly billing
• Remote work; occasional synchronous check-ins with the team on an as-needed basis- will need to be available for occasional calls w/ a team located in China (earlier morning or later evening US time zone hours)
• Expected project duration (for a given mold run) will be discussed per job; the designer should be available for revisions/follow-ups as required.

How to Apply:

• A short cover letter explaining your relevant experience in CAD mold design (especially tooling or product molds).
• Portfolio of recent 3D CAD (SolidWorks/UG) work – ideally tooling, mold design or manufacturing-ready models.
• Estimated availability (hours/week, preferred engagement structure).
• References or testimonials if available.