CAD roles in AI evaluation test whether you can read a drawing, hold a tolerance and say what a model got wrong. The figures come from the CAD postings open today and the platforms’ own pages, read 13 October 2026.
Your package matters less than FreeCAD
Of the 16 CAD roles, 13 name FreeCAD, 8 name SolidWorks, 7 name Inventor and 5 name Fusion 360. Many postings name several, so the counts overlap.
micro1 builds much of this work on FreeCAD files. Its SolidWorks Specialist posting says SolidWorks experience transfers, because the project focuses on FreeCAD. A parametric modeller should be able to learn the interface, but the posting calls prior FreeCAD experience ideal.
Two platforms work differently. Mercor’s SolidWorks role in its Application Users group expects the software already installed on your own Windows PC. It says it supplies no licences, virtual machines or hardware. SME Careers’ AutoCAD Specialist role has you record yourself doing a task, so the installation must work before you start.
What you would do
- Write questions about an assembly. micro1’s FreeCAD Expert, Aerospace CAD Expert and Industrial Design CAD Expert roles give you native FreeCAD assemblies. You write questions with exact, verifiable answers that a guess cannot hit.
- Model and audit parts. The SolidWorks Specialist and Senior FreeCAD Engineer postings ask for parametric models from written briefs, then audits of dimensions, tolerances and manufacturability.
- Build a graded task in code. Mercor’s CAD / PCB / 3D Design Engineer role has you write a prompt, input files such as STEP, and an automated grader. micro1’s Hardware Expert posting describes rebuilding a drawing as a solid in Python and checking volume and inertia.
- Record a workflow. SME Careers’ AutoCAD role covers layers, blocks, viewports and plotting, captured as a screen recording.
The pool is wider than designers. micro1’s Senior Machinist role reads machining drawings and GD&T callouts and comments on CNC setup documents.
Tolerances and scripting decide the harder roles
GD&T appears in 8 of the 16 roles, and design for manufacturability in 7. The SolidWorks Specialist posting asks for applied ASME Y14.5 and for experience with injection moulding, sheet metal, CNC machining or casting. The judgement on offer is whether a feature can be made.
Python appears in 6 roles. It is optional on the Senior FreeCAD Engineer posting but central on others. micro1’s CAD Expert posting calls itself very coding heavy, and Mercor’s role uses build123d and CadQuery. If you only click through a feature tree, filter for the roles that do not ask for code.
What the postings pay, and what that figure means
The median ceiling across the 16 roles is $100, and the highest is $150. micro1 lists 14 of them, with a median ceiling of $100. The lowest ceiling is $30, on the AutoCAD Specialist role at SME Careers, which states only an upper limit.
Check the pay basis. micro1’s CAD Expert posting shows an hourly band yet says pay is output-based. You are paid for each task that meets the specification, with a minimum number of tasks a week. Slow modelling then lowers your effective hourly rate.
Portfolio, years and credentials
Mercor’s CAD / PCB / 3D role is the one that requires a portfolio link to apply. It also asks for three or more years, shipped parts or boards, and at least 20 hours a week on five days. That is not a side project.
micro1 is looser. The Hardware Expert posting says formal education and years are not strict requirements. Its CAD Design Expert posting says a recognised credential, such as a SOLIDWORKS or ASME GDTP certificate, may substitute for an experience bar. Years stated elsewhere run from two to ten, depending on whether you edit models or create assemblies.
A portfolio must be yours to show. Parts you designed for an employer or client usually belong to them. Use personal projects, open-source work or pieces you have written permission to share.
Files, licences and who owns what
Mercor says its tasks start from real design work from your field. If that means a drawing or STEP file from your job, read your contract first: an employer’s invention-assignment or confidentiality clause may cover it. The postings do not say who owns the models you create.
The licence on the software you install is also yours to read. A student, trial or employer seat may not allow paid work. Do not use your employer’s licence for this work without written permission.
Country limits and starting
Roles limited to the US, by their location field or their own wording: 1 of 16. A reader in the UK is shown 14. micro1’s CAD Expert posting says open worldwide, and its Senior Machinist posting prefers US-based applicants.
micro1’s CAD Expert posting describes screening questions, an AI interview of about 30 minutes, then a hiring manager review. It expects first tasks within 24 to 48 hours of onboarding. The micro1 hiring process and its interview guide explain the steps. For how task work is graded, read what AI training tasks ask you to do.
What the postings do not say
- How a model’s answer is scored against your reference.
- How many tasks a week the minimum is.
- Whether your CAD files are kept, or reused beyond the project.
- Whether certifications are verified.
This site is not affiliated with any platform named here, and passing a screening is not a promise of work.
Open CAD roles right now
The 6 newest of 16 open roles this site lists today, with the pay each posting states.