Mechanical / CAD Engineer

$60–100/hr

rate as listed

Workload: 20+ hrs/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: US
Field: Engineering

Create and evaluate parametric CAD tasks, engineering drawings, reference models and scoring rubrics used to train AI systems. The role requires substantial professional design experience, expertise in at least one named CAD platform and weekday availability of 20 or more hours.

The work

You will design challenging mechanical engineering tasks, produce reference CAD models and written solutions, and evaluate model-generated work. Day-to-day assignments may involve parametric 3D modeling, engineering drawings, GD&T, design intent and design for manufacturing. You will also write rubrics covering geometric accuracy, tolerancing and manufacturability, then give precise technical feedback when a solution falls short.

What the screening covers

The platform screens for at least four years of dedicated professional mechanical design or CAD engineering experience, demonstrable career progression and clear written technical reasoning. Expert proficiency is required in at least one of SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, Onshape or Fusion 360. Expect follow-up questions about feature-tree strategy, datum selection, tolerance decisions, manufacturability and how you would distinguish a robust parametric model from one that merely reproduces the target geometry.

Practical details

This is a W-2 employment position with Cincinnatus LLC, which acts as the employer of record for placement with an AI lab. The required commitment is at least 20 hours per week during weekdays. The listing does not specify whether the engagement is remote or asynchronous, so candidates should confirm location, scheduling and collaboration expectations before accepting. Compensation is observed from the listing and is not guaranteed.

Pay band: $60–100/hr

What they look for

4+ years of dedicated professional mechanical design or CAD engineering experience
Expert proficiency in SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, Onshape or Fusion 360
Parametric 3D modeling and design-intent management
GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation
Design for manufacturing and manufacturability evaluation
Technical rubric development and written design critique

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 10 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: This tests whether the stated tenure and career progression are supported by specific employers, dates, product contexts and changes in technical ownership.
A strong answer: Give a chronological account with verifiable dates, named roles, product or manufacturing contexts and concrete examples of broader ownership over time. Distinguish hands-on CAD work from adjacent project management or general engineering duties.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points when they provide a broad career summary but do not establish four years of dedicated design or CAD work, or when claimed progression is only a sequence of job titles without expanded scope.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.