Is this job worth applying to?

Pay

Above typicalTops out at $300/hr. The typical top rate across 148 priced STEM listings is $70/hr.

Getting in

Some screening~30–45 min: profile + AI interview. Computer with webcam and mic for the AI interview.

Steady work

Work is patchyLong waits between tasks are common.

Payout record

Some delaysSchedule: twice a month. Paid via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments).

Freshness

FreshPosted 3d ago. Still listed on micro1 on Nov 6, 2026.

Where you live

Named countries onlyOpen in United States.

The job description

Location: Remote - US-based preferred; candidates with strong relevant experience worldwide considered.

micro1 is looking for experienced Principal or Lead Systems Engineers to support an AI training project focused on complex, real-world engineering workflows. In this role, you will draw on your experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects to design realistic tasks, coordinate contributions from domain experts, and define clear technical objectives and evaluation criteria. Your expertise will help improve how AI systems plan, execute, and validate engineering work.

Scope of Work

Design realistic engineering projects involving multiple disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, hardware, software, and manufacturing.
Translate project objectives into clear requirements, technical constraints, and measurable acceptance criteria.
Break complex projects into connected tasks with defined inputs, deliverables, dependencies, and expert responsibilities.

Requirements

Substantial professional experience as a Principal Systems Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or in a comparable technical leadership role.
Proven experience leading complex engineering projects involving multiple technical disciplines.
Strong expertise in requirements engineering, interface management, system integration, and verification and validation.
English proficiency at B2 level or higher

Preferred Qualifications

A relevant master's degree or PhD in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with model-based systems engineering, SysML, or requirements management tools.
Experience leading projects from initial requirements through integration, testing, and delivery.
Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, industrial systems, medical devices, or other complex engineering environments.

How do you apply to micro1?

Apply on micro1

The Apply button opens this post on micro1's own site. You apply with them, not with Rubric. Budget about 30–45 min: profile + AI interview.

Get through screening

What micro1 asks for after you apply:

Do the AI interview with Zara on a computer (not a phone)
Take any skill assessment and verify your identity
Wait to be matched to a project and sign the contract

Start work and get paid

Pay schedule: twice a month. Paid via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments). You're paid for the work they hand out, not a fixed salary.

micro1 also needs

Computer with webcam and mic for the AI interview
Relevant degree or work history for expert roles

Red flags

Red flagWeeks of silence after the AI interview
Red flagContracts signed but no onboarding or tasks
Red flagProjects ending or changing scope without notice

What is micro1 like to work for?

Recruiting company that vets experts with an AI interviewer (Zara) and staffs them on contract AI-training and evaluation projects for AI labs.

Advertised pay	$15–135/hr
Getting in	Some screening
Application takes	~30–45 min: profile + AI interview
How you get paid	Twice a month, via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments)
Payout record	Some delays
Countries	Recruits globally with heavy hiring in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe; India-based applicants are eligible for many roles.

Generalist and annotation roles start around $15–30/hr; coding, STEM and law/medicine roles commonly list $40–90/hr and occasionally more.