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Phd In Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Mechanical Design PhD - CAD Expert

New York, NY · Remote

$85/hr

Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering , Aerospace Engineering , or Industrial Design . * 5+ years of hands ...

Mercor

Circuit Design PhD - Problem Author

New York, NY · Remote

$85/hr

Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel ... Position: Circuit Design Writer - Engineering FRQ Type: Contract Compensation: $85/hour Location:

Apple

Mechanical Engineer (Equipment Design)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Preferred Qualifications PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience, or MS in Mechanical Engineering 5+ years of opto-mechanical system design (camera.ptical mounts, kinematic ...

Qualcomm

ASIC Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$126.70 - $190.10/hr

PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field Preferred Skills * Experience with ARM CoreSight ... Low Power design and implementation * Chip interconnect (NOC) implementation Pay range and Other ...

Jobtailor

Director, SOC Design

California, MO · On-site

$140 - $220/hr

* Lead and mentor a strong SOC design team across multiple geographies * Work closely with various ... and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields with 5-10 years of ...

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Phd In Design information

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$53.5K

$90.4K

$133.5K

How much do phd in design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd in design in the United States is $90,449.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in Design?

A PhD in Design is a terminal academic degree focused on original research, critical analysis, and the advancement of knowledge in the field of design. This program typically involves in-depth study of design theory, methodologies, and practical applications, often culminating in a dissertation that contributes new insights to the discipline. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, or leadership roles in the design industry, where they can influence the future of design practices and education.

What career paths are available after completing a PhD in Design, and how do they differ from those with a master's degree?

Graduates with a PhD in Design often pursue careers in academia, such as becoming university professors or researchers, where they can lead original research projects and influence the direction of design education. Beyond academia, PhD holders may move into high-level roles in research and development within industries like technology, urban planning, or product innovation, often focusing on strategy, policy, or design leadership. Compared to those with a master's degree, PhD graduates are more likely to secure positions that require advanced research skills, thought leadership, and the ability to drive interdisciplinary collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Design, you need advanced research skills, expertise in design theory and methodology, and a relevant master's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD), academic publishing platforms, and research management tools is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills distinguish standout candidates in both academic and industry settings. These competencies enable impactful research, effective knowledge dissemination, and meaningful contributions to innovation in the design field.

What is the difference between Phd In Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPhd In DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsDoctorate degree in Design or related fieldBachelor's or Associate's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or high-level consultancy settingsCreative studios, advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments
Industry UsageResearch, academia, specialized design consultingVisual communication, branding, advertising

The main difference between a Phd In Design and a Graphic Designer lies in their focus and career paths. A Phd In Design emphasizes research, theory, and academic contributions, often working in universities or research institutions. In contrast, a Graphic Designer applies creative skills to produce visual content for clients or brands. While both roles require a background in design, the Phd is more research-oriented, whereas the Graphic Designer is more practice-focused.

What can I do with a PhD in design?

A PhD in design prepares individuals for advanced roles in academia, research, and industry, including university teaching, design research, and leadership positions in creative organizations. Graduates often work as design consultants, user experience researchers, or in innovation departments, utilizing skills in research methods, visual communication, and design tools. The degree also enables specialization in areas like interaction design, sustainable design, or digital media.
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Phd In Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd In Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,449 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering PhD - Problem Author

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$85/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Mechanical Engineering Writer - Engineering FRQ
Type: Contract
Compensation: $85/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Author original, free-response engineering problems grounded in real industry scenarios.
  • Write complete expert-level solutions for each problem.
  • Validate difficulty by running problems against three frontier language models until at least one fails.
  • Collaborate with AI research teams to improve problem-solving approaches.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines and enhance AI model performance.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
  • 8+ years of hands-on professional/industry experience in design, analysis, or R&D.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.