Technical Problem Author (Multi-Domain)

What you'll do

Writing a good hard problem is a different skill from solving one, and this listing is explicit about wanting people who have done it formally. You author advanced problems in your own engineering field (aerodynamics, materials science, CAD and mechanical design, circuit design or mechanical engineering) covering both theory and practical design, analysis and failure scenarios.

You then review AI-generated answers for correctness and engineering relevance, spot ambiguities in problem statements and tighten them, and give structured written explanations of where the reasoning went wrong. Findings feed back into refining the problem set over time. Collaboration with other technical experts is remote.

Who fits

• An MS or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline, or substantial industry experience instead (eight or more years for aerodynamics, circuit design or mechanical engineering; five or more for CAD and mechanical design)
• At least five years of hands-on technical work in your domain
• A record of technical problem authoring: olympiad problem committees, licensure exam item writing, academic qualifying exams, standards committees or technical competition leadership are the examples given
• Recognised publications, patents, awards, competition results or committee service
• Professional-level English and strong written explanation
• Familiarity with the standard tools of your field (AutoCAD and CAD suites, CFD/FEA, EDA tools or lab equipment)

No AI experience is required.

What it pays

The listing shows $60–110/hour, but its compensation section says pay is output-based: per task that meets the project specifications, with a minimum number of submissions each week (the ad does not give the number). The hourly figure is therefore an equivalent that depends on how many of your problems are accepted. Hard, original problems take time to get right, so budget for a slow start.

Worth knowing

Good:

• 47 openings across five engineering domains, with a high-demand flag
• Problem-setting experience is valued directly, which few listings do
• Industry experience can substitute for an advanced degree
• micro1 says roles fill within 48 hours and work starts 24–48 hours after onboarding

Less good:

• Per-task pay, with no per-task fee published and unaccepted work unpaid
• A weekly minimum submission applies
• The problem-authoring track record requirement is narrow
• Contractor engagement, no benefits

About this listing

Posted by micro1 on its referral jobs board and read on 24 September 2026. The pay band, 47 openings, domain-specific experience thresholds, output-based pay wording and start timeline are micro1's published text. Location is remote with no country restriction. Payment schedule is not stated.

See micro1.