Mechanical / CAD Engineer

$60–$100/hr USDMercorJob location: United StatesWork arrangement unspecifiedUS residents only

At a glance

You will use your mechanical design and CAD expertise to create and evaluate CAD modeling tasks, engineering drawings and design problems, and to write solutions and technical feedback that improve AI model performance. You need 4+ years of professional mechanical design or CAD engineering experience at a top-tier organization and expert proficiency in one parametric CAD tool.

Summary written by AI from the original listing.

  • At least 20 hours a week
  • Top of the range ($100/hr USD) is well above the typical $80/hr USD for similar roles on Mercor See how this pay compares ↓
  • Posted Nov 9, 2026 · 15 openings reported

About the role

Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge GenAI team to be at the core of the AI revolution, where your expertise fuels the development of the most advanced Large Language Models.

1\. Overview

Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge GenAI team and help build foundational AI models from the ground up. We're seeking talented Mechanical Design and CAD Engineers with hands-on expertise in mechanical design, parametric CAD and 3D modeling to bring real-world design and engineering judgment and elevate the quality of our AI training data.

This is a W-2 employment position with Cincinnatus LLC, with the opportunity to be placed at a leading AI Lab as part of their extended workforce.

2\. Key Responsibilities

  • Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps and improve AI model performance in mechanical design and CAD, parametric 3D modeling, and design for manufacturing topics.
  • Design challenging, domain-relevant tasks, and write accurate and well-structured solutions to mechanical design and CAD problems.
  • Evaluate mechanical design and CAD tasks and solutions and provide clear, written technical feedback.
  • Create and evaluate CAD modeling tasks, engineering drawings and design problems, and produce accurate reference models and solutions.
  • Develop rubrics to assess geometric accuracy, design intent, tolerancing (GD&T) and manufacturability.
  • Collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data.

3\. Core Qualifications

  • 4+ years of dedicated professional experience in mechanical design or CAD engineering at a recognized, top-tier organization (e.g., Apple, Tesla, SpaceX, Boeing, GE, or leading product design and manufacturing firms).
  • Expert proficiency in at least one parametric CAD tool: SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, Onshape or Fusion 360.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings and design for manufacturing.
  • Demonstrable career progression.
  • Ability to engage reliably for at least 20 hours/week during weekdays.
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly.

About Cincinnatus LLC: Cincinnatus LLC is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for contingent and contract-based opportunities. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Cincinnatus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Applicant countries
US residents only

The listing requires applicants to reside in the United States. Check the original listing for any additional requirements.

Openings reported
15
Work arrangement
Work arrangement unspecified
Advertised job location
United States
Originally posted
2026-11-09
Last checked

How this pay compares

Engineering: typical hourly pay on each platform, November 2026.

This role $60–$100/hr USDTypical on Mercor $80/hr USDTypical across platforms $80/hr USD

  • MercorThis platform$80/hr USD35 rolesMiddle half of roles: $60–$90/hr USD
  • micro1$68/hr USD71 rolesMiddle half of roles: $40–$93/hr USD
  • Meridial$37/hr USD14 rolesMiddle half of roles: $36–$37/hr USD
  • SME Careers$100/hr USD17 rolesMiddle half of roles: $45–$105/hr USD
  • Handshake AI$85/hr USD64 rolesMiddle half of roles: $80–$96/hr USD
  • Alpheva$175/hr USD26 rolesMiddle half of roles: $118–$204/hr USD
  • Anyone AI$40/hr USD8 rolesMiddle half of roles: $40–$45/hr USD

Based on 235 hourly-paid roles listed in November 2026. Per-task and project rates are not included. Each platform sets its own pay.

More roles in this specialty →