Military Operations & IHL Expert

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for building careers in AI training and data labeling. We help subject-matter experts find and manage remote AI training work, consolidate proof of experience, and grow a durable freelance portfolio in a rapidly expanding field.

We hire subject-matter experts directly as contract contributors. When you work with OpenTrain you’re helping shape how state-of-the-art AI systems behave while building trackable, reusable evidence of your expertise.

About AI training work

AI training (also called data labeling or human feedback work) is the human side of building AI: people annotate, review, and rate model outputs so models learn safe, accurate behavior. Work is typically remote and flexible, with many projects accessible without prior labeling experience, while specialist roles pay more for domain expertise.

This role focuses on defense policy review, where expert judgment on military operations and international humanitarian law (IHL) directly informs model behavior and safety controls.

The role

OpenTrain is recruiting a Military Operations & IHL Expert to support AI training projects that evaluate model outputs against defense-policy and IHL frameworks. You will apply domain knowledge to evaluate model responses, develop taxonomies and rubrics, and produce clear, evidence-based feedback that improves model behavior in conflict-related scenarios.

This is contract, part-time work performed remotely. The project requires at least 20 hours per week from experienced subject-matter experts.

What you'll do

• Evaluate model outputs using project rubrics and document evidence-based judgments clearly and consistently.
• Review source materials and model responses against guidelines and explain judgments so feedback is actionable for model improvement.
• Develop taxonomies for military use and defense operations applicable in conflict contexts.
• Create triage frameworks that distinguish between military and civilian applications of technology and knowledge.
• Establish boundaries for prohibited assistance under international humanitarian law.
• Design conflict-risk rubrics and scenario-based evaluation tools for defense and humanitarian contexts.
• Refine policy-relevant benchmarks for responsible testing of AI models.
• Contribute written and verbal analyses of warfighting, targeting, and IHL concepts for interdisciplinary audiences.

Requirements

• Deep, real-world knowledge of military operations, warfighting, weapons targeting, or international humanitarian law.
• Experience applying targeting law, conflict ethics, or humanitarian law in real cases (professional, academic, or advisory roles).
• Relevant background in defense analysis, policy analysis, operational advisory work, or related fields.
• Fluency in English and strong written communication for complex technical and ethical issues.
• Ability to follow detailed project instructions, apply rubrics consistently, and maintain quality across repeated reviews.
• Comfort working independently as a remote contractor on part-time schedules.
• Advanced degree or equivalent operational experience preferred.

Schedule, pay, and logistics

This is remote contract work for subject-matter experts. Expected commitment is 20+ hours per week on a part-time contractor basis.

Pay is $50–$90 USD per hour depending on experience and project needs.

How it works and who should apply

Apply through OpenTrain with your profile and relevant experience. We prioritize candidates with demonstrable operational or policy experience who can write clear, defensible analyses for interdisciplinary reviewers.

Ideal applicants are defense analysts, military officers, legal advisers, policy researchers, or practitioners with applied IHL experience who want flexible, impactful remote work shaping how AI systems handle conflict-related content.

• Label types: RLHF and evaluation rating; data type: text.
• Employment: contractor, part-time; location: worldwide; language: English.