Engineering Problem Designer
Mercor
Job Overview
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Job Description
About Mercor
Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
Position: Engineering Problem Designer
This is a contract position with a duration of 2 months, requiring a commitment of 20–40 hours per week. Compensation is set at $60–$80 per hour.
Role Responsibilities
- Design original, advanced engineering problems that require creative reasoning, multi-domain integration, and precise analytical thinking.
- Evaluate AI-generated engineering solutions for technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to physical and practical constraints.
- Identify logical gaps, incorrect modeling assumptions, or computational inaccuracies.
- Provide complete, clear, and well-documented solutions and derivations using LaTeX formatting for equations and schematics.
- Maintain high standards of technical precision, rigor, and conceptual depth.
- Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines while improving AI model performance.
Qualifications
Must-Have
- Advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, or chemical engineering, or a related field.
- Experience designing or grading complex analytical or design-focused problems (university level or professional exams).
- Proficiency in creating and formatting technical documents using LaTeX.
- Deep understanding of core engineering principles and real-world systems.
- Ability to communicate step-by-step reasoning, assumptions, and derivations clearly.
Preferred
- Participation in or mentorship for engineering design or modeling competitions (e.g., Formula SAE, Shell Eco-marathon, ASME/IEEE/AIChE contests, robotics challenges, or design sprints).
- Research or teaching experience involving applied problem formulation and quantitative modeling.
Start Date & Application Process
Rolling onboarding; start typically within 1–2 days after approval. The application process takes 20–30 minutes to complete.
Submit your resume or CV highlighting your engineering background and relevant accomplishments. Participate in a short interview (20–30 minutes). Complete a brief form outlining your experience with problem design, engineering challenges, or teaching. Selected applicants will receive follow-up steps within a few days. Remember to complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered.
Resources & Support
For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome/welcome. For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com.
Key skills/competency
- Engineering Problem Design
- AI Solution Evaluation
- Technical Documentation
- LaTeX Proficiency
- Analytical Reasoning
- Multi-Domain Integration
- Problem Formulation
- System Dynamics
- Technical Precision
- Independent Work Ethic
How to Get Hired at Mercor
- Research Mercor's mission: Study their focus on connecting talent with AI research labs and their impressive investor backing.
- Tailor your resume for problem design: Highlight experience in creating, grading, or solving complex engineering challenges.
- Showcase LaTeX proficiency: Emphasize your ability to produce precise, well-formatted technical documentation.
- Prepare for analytical challenges: Be ready to discuss your approach to multi-domain engineering problems and solution evaluation.
- Demonstrate independent work: Provide examples of successful asynchronous project management and meeting deadlines effectively.
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