At a Glance
- Tasks: Design realistic digital workspaces for AI training in the automotive industry.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge project with leading AI labs and automotive experts.
- Benefits: Earn up to $1,450 per task, plus performance bonuses and flexible remote work.
- Other info: Collaborate with top professionals and contribute to frontier AI research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on AI development while utilising your automotive expertise.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in automotive engineering and strong analytical skills required.
Mercor is partnering with leading AI labs on Project Atlas — an initiative to build realistic enterprise environments that frontier AI agents are trained and evaluated in. We're seeking experienced automotive mechanical-engineering professionals from Fortune 500 OEMs and major Tier-1 suppliers (e.g., GM, Ford, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota North America, Magna, Bosch, Denso, Aptiv) to recreate the digital workspaces they run every day and design the tasks that genuinely challenge state‑of‑the‑art AI.
You’ll bring your expertise in vehicle design, powertrain / chassis engineering, manufacturing engineering, or automotive quality to build a high‑fidelity environment that mirrors the tools, files, and cross‑functional workflows of a modern automotive enterprise — and then author tasks grounded in the programs you actually run today.
Key Responsibilities- Build a realistic digital workspace centered on the Drive folders you use day‑to‑day — the design reviews, DFMEA / PFMEA documents, PPAP packages, tolerance analyses, benchmarking decks, test reports, and email threads that reflect how you actually organize your work — with some representation of the platforms that support it (e.g., ANSYS Fluent / STAR‑CCM+, Siemens Opcenter, SAP S/4HANA).
- Design multi-step tasks grounded in your real workflows that require navigating multiple apps, files, and stakeholders in a way that meaningfully challenges frontier AI agents.
- Collaborate with other automotive engineering experts in your field to design the environment, shape task scope, and review each other's scenarios for realism and rigor.
- Work asynchronously with research teams to refine task designs and evaluation criteria for automotive engineering agent benchmarks.
- Contribute to frontier AI research and benchmarking — the work you produce directly informs how leading labs train and evaluate the next generation of AI systems.
- BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
- 3+ years of full-time experience at a Fortune 500 automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier.
- Background in one or more areas such as: Vehicle or subsystem design (body, chassis, interior, powertrain, thermal), CAE / CAD / simulation engineering (structural, NVH, CFD, durability), Manufacturing / process engineering (stamping, body‑in‑white, assembly, paint), Quality engineering under IATF 16949 / APQP / PPAP, EV / battery / ADAS engineering.
- Day‑to‑day use of ANSYS Fluent / STAR‑CCM+, Siemens Opcenter or Rockwell FactoryTalk, and SAP S/4HANA.
- Strong analytical thinking and writing — able to translate automotive engineering workflows into structured task specs.
- Task Completion Pay: Competitive and based on task quality (~$1,150 – $1,450 per completed task, subject to change as the project evolves).
- Performance Bonus: Top performers receive a weekly bonus incentive on top of their per task rate!
- Hourly Opportunity: Top performers may be invited to transition to an hourly compensation model based on sustained quality and throughput.
Vehicle Design Specialist - Fully Remote | Upto $1450 Part-time employer: Obsidian
Mercor is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing Vehicle Design Specialists to contribute to cutting-edge AI research while working fully remotely. With competitive compensation and performance bonuses, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and expertise in a supportive environment that values real-world experience from leading automotive companies. Join us to shape the future of AI in the automotive industry from the comfort of your own home.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Design Specialist - Fully Remote | Upto $1450 Part-time
✨Leverage Your Uni’s Networks
If you're in uni, tap into those mechanical engineering societies or career fairs that are specific to your field. They often have connections with local companies that need part-time help – it’s like having a backstage pass to job opportunities!
✨Join Engineering Communities
Get involved in online forums or local meetups related to mechanical engineering. Networking with fellow students and professionals can lead to part-time gigs that might not be advertised. Plus, it shows your passion for the industry!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio or a digital space where you can showcase your engineering projects. Whether it's coursework, personal projects, or competitions, showing off your practical skills can set you apart in the part-time job hunt!
✨Directly Approach Local Companies
Don't just rely on online applications – walk into local engineering firms and express your enthusiasm for part-time roles. Many companies appreciate the proactive approach and might just have openings not listed online. And hey, don't forget to check our website for opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Design Specialist - Fully Remote | Upto $1450 Part-time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When applying for a part-time role in mechanical engineering at Obsidian, make sure your CV highlights relevant technical skills and engineering software you're familiar with. This might include tools like CAD or MATLAB, as well as any hands-on projects you've managed or participated in—these are gold dust!
Tailor Your Personal Projects:If you’ve worked on any personal projects or participated in engineering competitions, don’t hold back! Briefly describe these in your CV or cover letter. This can demonstrate your creativity and passion for mechanical engineering which is essential, especially in a part-time role where learning and impact matter.
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a part-time gig, it’s vital to communicate your availability in your application. Let Obsidian know when you can work and how your schedule can accommodate project needs. A flexible attitude can set you apart from other candidates!
Use Clear, Concise Language:In technical fields like mechanical engineering, clarity is key. Make sure your written application is direct and devoid of jargon that might confuse. Use bullet points for skills and experiences to keep things easy to read—this way, we can quickly see why you’d be a great fit for Obsidian!
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsidian
✨Brush Up on Your Core Mechanics
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key mechanical engineering principles, like thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Expect some technical questions that test your problem-solving skills, so it’s good to bring in examples from your studies or any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Show Off Your Software Skills
Many mechanical engineering roles expect proficiency in software like CAD or simulation tools. If you've worked on designs or projects using these tools, be ready to discuss or even demonstrate them. It’s a great way to highlight your practical skills!
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a part-time role, they're likely looking for someone who can adapt to varying schedules or project needs. Be prepared to talk about your availability and how you manage your time effectively, especially if you're juggling studies or other commitments.
✨Bring Your Portfolio
Even for a part-time role, having a portfolio of your work can make a huge difference. Include any coursework, projects, or relevant designs you've done, and be ready to discuss your process and the outcomes. This gives you a platform to showcase your skills directly!
