Civil Engineering Problem Designer (Python)

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for finding and building careers in AI training and data labeling. Contributors here help shape how modern AI learns by creating, reviewing, and validating the examples that training systems use.

We connect skilled people to projects where they can grow domain expertise, work remotely and flexibly, and earn while contributing directly to cutting-edge AI systems.

About AI training work for technical domains

AI training is the human side of building intelligent systems: experts create high-quality examples, write prompts, generate training text, and verify model outputs so models behave reliably in the real world.

This project sits at the intersection of civil engineering and generative-AI work: you will author problem statements and verified solutions that become training data for models that solve, explain, or validate engineering calculations and workflows.

The role — what you'll do

You will design original, realistic civil/computational engineering problems and produce clearly written problem statements together with fully verified correct solutions. Problems should reflect real engineering workflows: analysis, optimization, numerical methods, iterative solutions, and simulation-style calculations.

Every solution must be validated using Python (NumPy/Pandas/SciPy or similar). You will also document your reasoning and provide reproducible verification so answers can be re-run and audited.

• Create original, realistic civil engineering problems and edge cases that mirror professional workflows.
• Write concise problem statements suitable for model fine-tuning and prompt/response datasets.
• Validate each solution with reproducible Python code and document intermediate steps and assumptions.
• Provide clear final answers plus short explanations suitable for model training and evaluation.

Requirements & qualifications

We will only consider applicants who meet every core requirement below. Please ensure your CV is in English and includes your email address, phone number, and stated English proficiency level.

Note: this project has restricted acquisition locations (listed below). If your application originates from a restricted location, you will not be eligible.

• Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• 2+ years of relevant professional experience (applied engineering, research, or teaching).
• Strong written English (C1+). CV must be in English and show your English level; include email and phone.
• Proven ability to use Python for numerical validation (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy or similar).
• Experience with MATLAB, R, C, SQL or other languages is acceptable only if you can verify solutions effectively in Python.
• Solid understanding of practical engineering constraints, approximations, and when numerical methods are appropriate.
• Availability for 20+ hours per week; contract, part-time engagement.
• Pay range: $15–$50 USD per hour; contractors paid hourly (top rate up to $50/hr).

Restricted acquisition locations

Due to project acquisition rules, applicants originating from the locations below are not eligible. If you live in, or your payment/contracting is tied to, any of these places you cannot be engaged on this project.

• Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, Myanmar, Russia, Belarus, Palestine
• Switzerland
• China, Taiwan
• Kenya
• US states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia
• Antarctica; Aruba; Åland Islands; Saint Barthélemy; Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba; Bouvet Island; Cocos (Keeling) Islands; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Cook Islands; Christmas Island; Western Sahara; Falkland Islands (Malvinas); French Guiana; Guadeloupe; South Georgia and the South Sandwich

How it works — deliverables and workflow

Assignments will be issued as batches of problem prompts and expected solution formats. For each item you will submit: the problem statement, a worked solution write-up, and reproducible Python code or a notebook that verifies the final answer.

You will produce content suitable for training and fine-tuning models (prompt/response examples), and you may also provide short rationales and evaluation labels used to judge model outputs.

• Deliver problem statement, concise solution, and reproducible Python validation (code/notebook) per item.
• Document assumptions, approximations, and any standards or references used.
• Follow provided formatting templates and quality guidelines; expect review and iterative feedback.
• Work is paid hourly; you are engaged as a contractor on a part-time basis (20+ hrs/week typical).

Who should apply and next steps

Apply if you are a civil engineer (or closely related) with strong Python-based numerical skills, 2+ years' applicable experience, and polished written English. This role suits academics, practicing engineers, and experienced instructors who enjoy problem design and clear technical writing.

To apply, submit your CV in English with your email and phone number, state your English level (C1+ required), list relevant software/libraries you use for validation, and confirm your weekly availability and hourly rate expectations.

• Ideal for mid-career engineers who can blend domain expertise with reproducible computational validation.
• Applications are reviewed for technical fit and the ability to produce reproducible Python-validated solutions.
• Successful applicants will begin with a paid onboarding task to demonstrate style and verification approach.