Mechanical Engineer & Python Expert - Freelance AI Trainer

About Mindrift

Mindrift facilitates project-based AI opportunities for skilled professionals, collaborating with top technology firms to enhance AI systems through testing, evaluation, and refinement. These engagements are project-specific and do not constitute permanent employment.

Role Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer and Python Expert, you will be responsible for creating challenging computational engineering problems designed to test advanced AI models. These problems must be solvable and verifiable through code, requiring specialized engineering tools such as Cantera, CoolProp, CalculiX, or OpenFAST. Standard numerical libraries alone will not suffice. Each task will be executed within a secure Linux container equipped with the necessary tools and an automated judge for answer verification.

Key Responsibilities

• Select a primary engineering tool and formulate a problem that relies on its specific solvers, simulation kernels, or domain-specific models.
• Develop a Python script to serve as a reference solution, including necessary input files, geometry, or mechanism definitions.
• Determine the correct numerical answer and establish an acceptable tolerance range for the AI model's response, appropriate to the engineering domain.
• Iteratively test the problem against the AI model in parallel runs, adjusting the difficulty to achieve a success rate between 10-30%.
• Submit the finalized task for review by a senior specialist in the relevant subfield to ensure high quality.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in research, applied engineering, or teaching.
• Proficiency in Python for developing accurate reference solutions.
• Demonstrated experience with, or a strong commitment to independently learning, at least one scriptable mechanical engineering package (e.g., Cantera, CoolProp, CalculiX, OpenFAST, YADE).
• The ability to conceptualize and design problems that necessitate the use of specialized solvers.
• Excellent written English communication skills (C1 level or higher).

Even if you lack prior experience with the specific tools mentioned, you are encouraged to apply if you are prepared to learn them independently and apply them effectively.

Project Details

This is a project-based engagement, not a permanent position. Active project phases are estimated to require approximately 10-20 hours per week, though this is an estimate and actual workload may vary.

Compensation

Contributors can earn up to the equivalent of $36 per hour, with actual compensation varying based on individual performance, project scope, complexity, and required expertise. Different projects on the platform may offer varying compensation rates.

Additional Information

Please submit your CV in English and specify your English proficiency level. The role is located in New Zealand and is part-time and onsite.