Fusion diagnostics --> freelance optical instrumentation?

After 10 years in the fusion industry I'm looking for my next step. Considering monetizing my optical systems skills - basically designing and building one-off systems where I'm mostly integrating off-the-shelf parts or farming out CAD work to optical/mechanical/electronics engineers - although I know a lot of the basics in each of those disciplines.

Having a lifestyle business sounds really appealing. I'm wondering:

• Are you self-employed or doing consulting/contracting/freelance work? What's your experience like?
• Do you know if there is demand for this kind of early-phase work? Most of the job postings I see are oriented toward manufacturing, which isn't my forte.
• Do you need someone with my skill-set for a project?