Mechanical Engineering Expert - Remote Contract
Listing checked September 22, 2026 · pay as published by AfterQuery
Overview
AfterQuery needs a mechanical engineering specialist to build and review technical challenges that train AI models. You will write questions and case studies spanning thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, stress analysis, and related areas, then judge how well a model answers them. The contract runs 15 hours per week, remote and asynchronous, so you can fit the work around another engineering role. Your reviews give the team detailed feedback on technical accuracy and adherence to established mechanical engineering practice. AfterQuery is a YC-backed startup, and this work shapes how AI handles real design and analysis problems.
What You'll Do6
- 1Write mechanical engineering questions and case studies that test AI models on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, materials selection, stress analysis, heat transfer, dynamics, CAD/CAM, and HVAC systems.
- 2Build scenarios where models must interpret complex mechanical systems, apply design principles, and solve real-world analysis problems.
- 3Review model responses for technical accuracy and alignment with mechanical engineering standards and best practices.
- 4Provide detailed written feedback that explains errors, points to correct reasoning, and identifies gaps in model understanding.
- 5Work with engineering and technical experts to calibrate question difficulty and keep content challenging and educational.
- 6Refine existing challenges when team feedback or model performance shows a need for clearer or harder material.
Requirements7
- 1Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field from an accredited program.
- 2Direct experience in mechanical engineering practice, design, or analysis, with a strong grasp of core principles and methods.
- 3Analytical skill plus clear writing and speaking ability, with close attention to technical detail.
- 4Several years in mechanical engineering across aerospace, automotive, energy, HVAC, or manufacturing.
- 5Background in engineering publications, standards development, or engineering technology programs.
- 6PE license, MS, PhD, or relevant certifications.
- 7Exposure to AI or technology-driven mechanical engineering applications.
Who Should Apply
The best fit is a mechanical engineer with a bachelor's degree and several years of hands-on work in design, analysis, or practice, plus the ability to explain technical ideas in clean prose. Candidates who have worked across aerospace, automotive, energy, HVAC, or manufacturing tend to bring the range AfterQuery wants, and a PE license, advanced degree, or publication record adds weight. This role is less suited to engineers who prefer only CAD work or lab testing and do not enjoy writing detailed evaluations. Applicants often score low when their answers stay vague on core topics like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or stress analysis, or when they submit no proof of applied engineering experience. The contract also asks for 15 hours each week, so people who cannot protect that time may struggle.
Salary Insight
Pay ranges from $75 to $115 per hour for this contract role, with the exact rate based on your background and expertise. That band fits experienced mechanical engineers who can handle advanced topics and explain technical reasoning in writing, and it sits above many entry-level engineering contract rates.
Pay and demand for Mechanical Engineering roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$75/hour
This role
$75–$115/hr
Most Mechanical Engineering roles pay $55–$100 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Based on 625 similar roles that publish pay · 99 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
- 715
- Listed in last 30 days
- 340
- Remote
- 95%
Hiring most right now: micro1 (308) · Mercor (103) · Handshake AI (66)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- python16%
- technical writing9%
- llm evaluation7%
- ai evaluation6%
Figures from Mechanical Engineering roles live on NearSkill when this page loaded. A role can close before you apply, so check the listing itself.
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Compensation
$75–115/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
Lead with examples that name the mechanical engineering areas you know best, such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, or HVAC, and quantify your design or analysis work with metrics like component count, efficiency gains, or project scale. If you hold a PE license, MS, PhD, or have published work, put that near the top.
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