Mechanical Engineering Project Lead (Remote | $200–$300/hr)

Synthires; California; Remote; USD 276,000 - 413,000; Full time

Job summary

Synthires is seeking experienced Chief Engineers and Senior Mechanical Engineers to contribute to an AI training initiative focused on complex engineering workflows. You will lead mechanical design, analysis, and multidisciplinary project leadership, translating objectives into technical requirements and coordinating experts across disciplines.

You will help shape how AI systems approach mechanical design, manufacturing considerations, testing, and technical execution, driving DFMA when

Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a Chief Engineer or Senior Mechanical Engineer with leadership.
• Proven track of leading complex multi-discipline engineering projects.
• Strong mechanical design and analysis expertise.
• DFMA experience and verification through testing & root-cause analysis.
• Translate objectives into requirements, constraints, and deliverables.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing processes.
• English proficiency at B2 level or higher; excellent communication.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design projects including analysis, manufacturing, and testing.
• Translate objectives into defined design requirements and criteria.
• Break problems into tasks with inputs, outputs, and owners.
• Coordinate contributions across design, analysis, and fabrication teams.
• Evaluate designs for functionality, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Apply DFMA to assess feasibility and production implications.
• Review calculations, documents, models, and results for accuracy.
• Define verification/validation approaches for performance goals.
• Analyze test results and perform root-cause investigations.
• Document decisions, assumptions, and evaluation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Engineering analysis

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Project leadership

Cross-disciplinary coordination

English proficiency

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA

Engineering simulation tools

Job description

Type: Contractor

Compensation: $200–$300/hour

Location: Remote

About the Opportunity

We are seeking experienced Chief Engineers and Senior Mechanical Engineers to contribute to an AI training initiative focused on complex, real-world engineering workflows.

In this role, you will apply your expertise in mechanical design, engineering analysis, and multidisciplinary project leadership to develop realistic engineering challenges. You will translate project objectives into technical requirements, coordinate contributions from domain experts, and establish measurable engineering objectives and evaluation criteria.

Your experience will help improve how AI systems approach mechanical design, engineering analysis, manufacturing considerations, testing, and technical project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design realistic engineering projects involving mechanical design, engineering analysis, manufacturing, and testing, incorporating relevant contributions from other technical disciplines.
• Translate project objectives into clearly defined mechanical design requirements, operating constraints, performance specifications, and measurable acceptance criteria.
• Break complex engineering problems into connected tasks with defined inputs, deliverables, dependencies, and expert responsibilities.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering workflows and coordinate technical contributions across design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing teams.
• Evaluate mechanical designs for functionality, structural integrity, manufacturability, reliability, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Apply design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) principles to assess design feasibility and production considerations.
• Review engineering calculations, technical documentation, design models, and analysis results for accuracy and completeness.
• Define technical verification and validation approaches to assess whether designs meet performance and operational requirements.
• Analyze testing results, investigate failures, and conduct root-cause analysis to identify design or manufacturing issues.
• Establish objective evaluation criteria for engineering solutions and technical deliverables.
• Identify design risks, technical constraints, and cross-disciplinary dependencies, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Document engineering decisions, technical assumptions, design requirements, and evaluation standards clearly.

Required Qualifications

• Substantial professional experience as a Chief Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, or in a comparable technical leadership role.
• Proven experience leading complex engineering projects involving multiple technical disciplines.
• Strong expertise in mechanical design, engineering analysis, and technical problem-solving.
• Practical experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA).
• Experience with technical verification through testing, failure investigation, and root-cause analysis.
• Ability to translate project objectives into engineering requirements, operating constraints, and measurable deliverables.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and engineering validation methods.
• English proficiency at B2 level or higher.
• Excellent technical communication, analytical, and project leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA), or other engineering simulation tools.
• Experience leading projects from initial concept and detailed design through manufacturing, testing, and final delivery.
• Background in aerospace, automotive, robotics, industrial equipment, energy, medical devices, or other complex engineering environments.
• Experience with multidisciplinary design reviews, technical evaluations, and engineering quality processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical decisions and coordinate cross-functional engineering teams.