Computational Structural, Mechanical Engineering Expert

Mercor

Computational engineering expert designing simulation-based benchmark problems for Mercor’s frontier AI training projects. Testing and refining tasks with scientific software, Python, and research workflows.

Posted 8/14/2026contractRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $70 - $85 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and evaluating computational scientific problems for AI, utilizing strong Python skills and proficiency with scientific software libraries. Capable of working independently while collaborating with researchers to enhance AI systems through rigorous problem refinement and evaluation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Graduate-Level Training in STEMProficiency in Scientific Software LibrariesStrong Python SkillsExperience in Linux/Terminal EnvironmentHands-On Experience with Computational Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Problem Setup WritingOracle Function DevelopmentSolution Validator CreationSimulation DesignExperiment DesignData InterpretationInformation DiscoveryBenchmark Evaluation DesignComputational ReproducibilityMulti-Step Workflow Development

Soft Skills

Independent WorkFeedback IncorporationCollaboration with Researchers

Tools & Technologies

Scientific Software LibrariesLinuxRemote Compute SandboxesContainerized Environments

Industry Keywords

AI Benchmark EvaluationComputational ScienceEngineering ProblemsResearch PublicationsOpen-Source ContributionsDomain-Specific Computational Tools

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxOraclePython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Create challenging computational scientific and engineering problems for AI benchmark evaluation
Design original, graduate-level problems based on real scientific workflows
Develop problems involving simulations, result interpretation, experiment design, and information discovery from data
Create tasks requiring specialized scientific software and complex multi-step workflows
Design strategic query or experiment sequences to uncover hidden information from partial results
Test each problem against state-of-the-art AI models
Refine problems until they reach the target difficulty
Write problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validators
Work independently and incorporate feedback into problem designs
Collaborate with leading researchers on projects training and enhancing AI systems

Requirements

What you’ll need

Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience)
Proven proficiency with at least one listed scientific software library, demonstrated through research publications, open-source contributions, or professional work
Strong Python skills for 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
Real hands-on experience using domain-specific computational tools, not just theoretical knowledge
Experience writing code with scientific libraries to solve actual research problems
Understanding of tool limitations, edge cases, and sources of genuine problem difficulty
Nice to have: experience across multiple listed domains or tools
Nice to have: familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design
Nice to have: background in scientific teaching or exam/problem-set design
Nice to have: experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments
Must be unable to require H1-B or STEM OPT sponsorship; Mercor cannot support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates

Benefits

Comp & perks

Fully remote role
Flexible own schedule
Weekly payments via Stripe or Wise based on services rendered
Projects may be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on needs and performance
Competitive pay
Collaboration with leading researchers
Opportunity to help shape the next generation of AI systems
Reasonable accommodations upon request
Up to $400 for each successful referral
No limit on referrals