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STEM mercor

Structural & Mechanical Engineering Expert

Mercor Remote

Education

Any

Type

Pay Rate

$85/task

Listed

10d ago

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About this Role

About the Project

We're building a large-scale benchmark to test how well advanced AI systems can solve hard scientific and engineering problems. As a task designer, you'll create challenging computational problems that check whether AI can use real scientific software to do research-level work — running simulations, interpreting results, designing experiments, and uncovering hidden information from data.

Structural & Mechanical Engineering Expert

About the Project

What You'll Do

Domains & Tools We're Hiring For

Structural & Mechanical Engineering

What Makes a Strong Candidate

Requirements

Nice to Have

Please note

About the Project We're building a large-scale benchmark to test how well advanced AI systems can solve hard scientific and engineering problems. As a task designer, you'll create challenging computational problems that check whether AI can use real scientific software to do research-level work — running simulations, interpreting results, designing experiments, and uncovering hidden information from data. This isn't a typical data-labeling job. You'll design original, graduate-level problems based on real scientific workflows, test them against cutting-edge AI models, and fine-tune them until the difficulty is just right. What You'll Do You'll create problems that require skilled use of specialized scientific software. Some will ask the AI to compute exact answers from a fully defined setup — testing whether it can correctly carry out complex, multi-step workflows. Others will be harder: the AI must plan a series of queries or experiments to uncover information that isn't directly visible, which means thinking strategically about what to measure, how to read partial results, and how to narrow down the possibilities efficiently. Each problem goes through a testing loop against state-of-the-art AI models, and you'll refine it until it hits the target difficulty. Domains & Tools We're Hiring For We're especially interested in experts with deep, hands-on experience in: Structural & Mechanical Engineering — working with scikit-fem or similar finite element libraries for beam analysis, elasticity problems, and computational mechanics. Experience with Timoshenko beam theory, mesh convergence studies, or variational formulations is valuable. Experience with other specialized software in this domain will also be considered. What Makes a Strong Candidate You have graduate-level expertise (MS or PhD preferred) in the domain above, with real hands-on experience using these tools — not just theoretical knowledge. You've written code using these libraries to solve actual research problems, and you understand where they break, what their edge cases are, and what makes a problem genuinely hard rather than just complicated. Beyond domain expertise, the best candidates think like puzzle designers: building problems where the challenge comes from smart reasoning rather than raw computation, where several approaches seem plausible but only careful analysis reveals the right one, and where surface-level pattern matching won't get you to the answer. Requirements Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience) Proven proficiency with at least one of the listed scientific software libraries, shown through research publications, open-source contributions, or professional work Strong Python skills — you'll be writing problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validators Ability to work independently and refine problem designs based on feedback Comfortable working in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes Available for at least 15–20 hours per week Nice to Have Experience across multiple listed domains or tools Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design Background in scientific teaching or exam/problem-set design Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments Please note: This application includes a coding assessment as part of the evaluation process. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

  • Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience)
  • Proven proficiency with at least one of the listed scientific software libraries, shown through research publications, open-source contributions, or professional work
  • Strong Python skills — you'll be writing problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validators
  • Ability to work independently and refine problem designs based on feedback
  • Comfortable working in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes
  • Available for at least 15–20 hours per week
  • Experience across multiple listed domains or tools
  • Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design
  • Background in scientific teaching or exam/problem-set design
  • Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments

Requirements

  • Must be eligible to work in Remote
  • Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in STEM

Compensation Analysis

Rare opportunity for top 1% experts. Earn $85/hr contributing to the world's most advanced AI labs. This is one of the few roles where academic precision is valued as highly as commercial output.

Skills & Categories

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STEM Expert

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this for freelancers or full-time employees?

Both. Mercor tries to match you with clients who want long-term contractors. Unlike other platforms where you log in and grab small tasks, Mercor matches you with one company for a steady role (e.g., 'Python Tutor for 3 months').

I'm not comfortable on camera. Can I still apply?

No. The application requires a video interview with an AI avatar. The AI asks you questions about your resume, and the video is shared with potential clients to prove your communication skills.

Does it cost money to join?

No. You should never pay to join these platforms. Mercor makes money by charging the client a fee on top of your hourly rate.

Is this just labeling data?

No. This is closer to academic research. You will likely be writing or verifying complex proofs, solving advanced equations, or checking the logic of a model's step-by-step reasoning. The goal is to teach AI systems to reason deeply in your field.

Do I need a PhD?

For the highest pay tiers in this category, a PhD (or current enrollment) is usually expected. However, the most important factor is your ability to pass the domain assessment. If you can solve the problems, the degree is secondary.

Is the work continuous?

Work in niche fields is often project-based. A specific "campaign" (e.g., training a model on Quantum Mechanics) might last for a few weeks. It is best to treat this as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.

How soon will I start?

Important: Mercor is a talent marketplace, not a task queue. Applying puts you in a pool of candidates. You will only start working when a specific client (like a major AI lab) selects your profile. This matching process can take weeks.