FAQs
Do you work with early-stage hardware startups?
1.
Yes — hardware startups are one of our primary clients. Zink Engineering works with early-stage and growth-stage hardware companies in Seattle and the greater Pacific Northwest on mechanical design, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing scale-up. Fixed-fee phased engagements mean founders know the cost upfront.
What industries does Zink Engineering serve?
2.
We primarily serve hardware-focused companies: consumer product manufacturers, robotics and automation firms, IoT device makers, and medical device developers. We also work with established Pacific Northwest manufacturers needing surge engineering capacity or specialized mechanical analysis.
Do you offer fixed-fee project engagements?
3.
Yes. Most projects are structured as fixed-fee phased engagements so clients have cost certainty from the start. This is especially useful for startups managing runway or companies scoping a specific deliverable.
Can Zink Engineering support manufacturing scale-up?
4.
Absolutely — manufacturing scale-up support is a core service. This includes design for manufacturing (DFM) review, supplier selection, process optimization, and production readiness work to help companies move from prototype to volume production.
How is hiring a mechanical engineering firm different from hiring a full-time ME?
5.
A firm like Zink Engineering can typically start within days, doesn't require benefits or equity, and scales with your project needs. For companies with periodic or project-based engineering needs, it's often faster and more cost-effective than a full-time hire.
Does Zink Engineering do rapid prototyping?
6.
Yes — rapid prototyping support is a key offering. This includes design iteration, proof-of-concept development, and working with fabrication partners to get hardware in hand quickly. We help clients move from concept to testable prototype efficiently.
Is Zink Engineering available for short-term or one-time projects?
7.
Yes. We take on both short-term focused engagements (a DFM review, a specific mechanical analysis) and longer-term development projects. Reach out to discuss scope — even a brief free consultation can clarify whether and how we can help.
How does Zink Engineering price projects?
8.
We offer two pricing structures, depending on the type of project:
Fixed Fee (our default): For projects with a clear deliverable, such as a design package, a mechanical analysis, a prototype build, or a manufacturing process improvement, we quote a fixed price up front. Before any work begins, we talk through your goals and constraints and agree on a written scope, so you know what you're getting and what it costs before we start. No surprise invoices.
Hourly: For more open-ended work, such as early-stage exploration, troubleshooting an unknown problem, ongoing engineering support, or projects where the scope will evolve as we learn, we can work on a flexible hourly basis. You get a transparent view of time spent and the freedom to adjust direction without renegotiating a contract each time.
Not sure which fits? Tell us about your project and we'll recommend the structure that makes the most sense, then put the numbers in writing before any work begins.