Mechanical Engineering Specialist - AI Trainer

AfterQuery; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 83,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

AfterQuery is seeking a remote, project-based mechanical engineer to support design tasks over the next 2–3 weeks. Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of hands-on CAD and mechanical design experience and can work asynchronously on multiple assignments.

You will create and iterate CAD models, prepare detailed drawings and BOMs, perform basic engineering analysis, and document design decisions for manufacturing. Pay is competitive and project-based, up to $100/hour.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, product design, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in CAD platforms (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, CATIA, NX or equivalent).
• Ability to produce detailed mechanical designs and engineering drawings to industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on technical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Create, review, and iterate on mechanical designs and CAD models for components, assemblies, and systems.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation to manufacturing standards.
• Perform engineering analysis including stress, tolerance, and DFM assessments.
• Support product development workflows from concept through prototype to production-ready design.
• Document design decisions, assumptions, and methodologies clearly and reproducibly.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Mechanical design

Engineering analysis

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

CATIA

NX

Job description

This is a remote, project-based role for mechanical engineers with 2–4 years of hands-on experience in CAD and mechanical design. You will complete tasks spanning mechanical design, engineering analysis, technical documentation, and product development support. Work is over the next 2–3 weeks, asynchronous, and assigned on a project-by-project basis, with an expected commitment of 10–20 hours per week for the projects you accept. This position offers exceptional pay, exposure to real-world engineering challenges, and a strong addition to your professional portfolio.

Why Apply

• Flexible Time Commitment – Work on your schedule while tackling meaningful engineering challenges
• Startup Exposure – Work directly with an early-stage Y Combinator-backed company, gaining hands-on experience that sets you apart
• Exceptional Pay – Project-based pay up to $100/hour
• Portfolio Building – Gain experience solving complex, real-world mechanical design and engineering problems
• Professional Growth – Sharpen your skills on varied, challenging design tasks across industries and applications

Responsibilities

• Create, review, and iterate on mechanical designs and CAD models for components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation to manufacturing standards
• Perform engineering analysis including stress, tolerance, and design for manufacturability (DFM) assessments
• Support product development workflows from concept through prototype and into production-ready design
• Document design decisions, assumptions, and methodologies clearly and reproducibly

Required Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, product design, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in at least one major CAD platform (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, CATIA, NX, or equivalent)
• Demonstrated ability to produce detailed mechanical designs and engineering drawings to industry standards
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on technical tasks
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a related engineering field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FEA or simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar)
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, or additive manufacturing
• Experience working in hardware startups, product development firms, or fast-paced engineering environments
• Background in systems integration, mechatronics, or electromechanical product design

About AfterQuery

AfterQuery is a research lab investigating the boundaries of artificial intelligence through novel datasets and experimentation. We believe great AI comes from exceptional, human-generated data.

We're backed by top investors, including Y Combinator and Box Group, and support all leading AI labs.