Mechanical CAD Expert

Opportunity Overview

Handshake is looking for experienced mechanical design engineers to support AI research through flexible, part-time contract work. This is not a traditional job — you'll draw on your hands-on experience in parametric CAD, GD&T, and design for manufacturing to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI reason like a practicing design engineer.

This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity you can take on alongside your current role.

What You'll Do

• Use your domain expertise to create expert-level mechanical design problems and scenarios grounded in real CAD, tolerancing, and manufacturing workflows
• Review and evaluate AI-generated responses for technical accuracy, manufacturability, and alignment with how the work is actually done
• Provide structured written feedback to help improve AI model performance
• Complete tasks at your own pace with no set schedule or minimum hour requirement

Qualifications

Ideal candidates meet all three of the following:

• Industry experience — senior-level, with a portfolio of manufactured designs and complex GD&T/FEA work. A strong portfolio carries more weight than an advanced degree alone
• Degree — BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering paired with hands-on industry experience
• Sub-domain depth — demonstrated expertise in one of the following areas:

  • Parametric CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, Fusion 360, Onshape)

  • GD&T and design for manufacturing (DFM)
  • FEA/simulation

Candidates who meet at least 2 of the 3 qualifications above are also encouraged to apply.

Additional qualifications (not required, but strengthen your application)

• Proficiency across multiple CAD platforms and simulation environments
• A portfolio demonstrating designs taken from concept through manufacturing

Required for all applicants

• Must have US work authorization
• Strong written communication and attention to detail
• Ability to explain complex mechanical design concepts clearly
• Ability to work independently in a remote, asynchronous environment