Mechanical Engineering Problem Author (Python Required)

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for finding and building careers in AI training and data labeling. We connect skilled contributors with paid projects that shape how modern AI systems learn and behave.

This role is hired and contracted by OpenTrain. Creating an OpenTrain account is free and gives you access to onboarding, project work, and payment management.

About AI Training and This Work

AI training (data labeling/annotation) is the human work behind model behavior: people create, review, and validate examples that AI models learn from. This posting focuses on computational problem-authoring—writing realistic engineering prompts and producing verified code solutions used to teach or evaluate models.

These projects are often remote and flexible, and they let you apply domain expertise (mechanical engineering and computational methods) while contributing directly to how technical AI models are trained and evaluated.

The Role

You will author original, realistic mechanical-engineering computational problems and deliver fully verified, reproducible solutions implemented in Python. Problems should reflect genuine engineering workflows including numerical methods, optimization, system design, and engineering analysis.

Work will also include preparing clear prompts/instructions for model tasks and producing gold-standard solutions and evaluation materials (text generation prompts and evaluation ratings) that can be used to train and assess AI systems.

• Create original problem statements that map to real engineering workflows and learning objectives.
• Implement and validate reproducible Python solutions using scientific libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and SciPy.
• Author clear solution write-ups, test cases, and expected outputs for evaluation.
• Prepare evaluation materials: text-generation prompts and rating guidelines for human or model assessment.

What You'll Do Day-to-Day

Deliver fully working Python notebooks or scripts for each problem, including input data, unit tests, and documented assumptions. Validate numeric results and provide step-by-step explanations so solutions are reproducible by reviewers.

Review and annotate code (hands-on code annotation/review), improve automation of engineering computation workflows, and help build reusable templates for future problems.

• Design 1–5 new computational problems per assignment depending on complexity.
• Write Python code that uses NumPy, Pandas, SciPy and documents dependencies and usage.
• Provide numerical verification, sensitivity checks, and clear explanation of methods.
• Annotate and review solution code for correctness, clarity, and reproducibility.

Requirements

You must meet all listed requirements and be able to provide a CV in English that states your English proficiency and includes an email address and phone number.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• At least 2 years of Python programming experience.
• Proficiency with NumPy, Pandas, and SciPy (required).
• Hands-on experience with computational methods in engineering: numerical methods, optimization, system modeling, or analysis.
• Hands-on code annotation or code review experience.
• Familiarity with engineering computation workflows and automation.
• Availability for at least 20+ hours per week (part-time contractor).

Compensation, Employment Type, and Restrictions

Payment is hourly (PAY_PER_HOUR). Rates are up to USD 50/hour (the provided rate values indicate a typical range of USD 15–50/hr). This is a contract, part-time role.

OpenTrain hires globally but some locations are restricted for acquisition and cannot participate. You must not be located in any of the restricted countries, territories, or states listed below.

• Employment type: Contractor, Part-time.
• Typical commitment: 20+ hours per week.
• Pay: USD 50/hr (hourly range indicated: USD 15–50/hr).
• Restricted locations (candidates from these places cannot be hired): Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, Myanmar, Russia, Belarus, Palestine, Switzerland, China, Taiwan, Kenya, United States states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana

How to Apply

Prepare a CV in English that states your level of English proficiency and includes an email address and phone number. Applications that do not include contact details or an English CV may not be considered.

When you apply you will be asked to provide examples of prior computational problems or Python notebooks demonstrating your engineering computation work, and to confirm availability for 20+ hours/week.

• Submit your English CV plus code or notebook samples showing NumPy/Pandas/SciPy work.
• Explain your experience with numerical methods, optimization, and engineering analysis in brief bullet points.
• Applications will be reviewed by OpenTrain; selected candidates will be invited to a short technical review and sample-authoring task.