PhD Engineering AI Training Specialist

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for people who build careers in AI training and data labeling. We help specialists find and grow dependable freelance work that shapes how modern AI systems learn and behave. Creating an OpenTrain account is free.

• OpenTrain is the hiring organization for this role and manages the project, coordinators, and payments.
• We focus on durable freelance careers in AI training — remote, flexible, and technically meaningful work.

About AI training work

AI training (data labeling/annotation) is the human side of modern AI: experts prepare, review, and refine examples that models learn from. Contributors work across tasks like writing and rating model responses, evaluating outputs, and designing high-quality training data.

These projects are often remote and flexible, accessible to domain experts who can deliver precise, well-documented technical content — a great way to apply academic skills outside a traditional lab.

• This role focuses on text-based engineering prompts, literature synthesis, experiment design, and quantitative analysis.
• No prior AI experience is required; domain expertise and rigorous writing are the priorities.

The role

You will produce authoritative written responses and training examples for advanced engineering prompts, using PhD-level knowledge in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering. Work includes interpreting literature, designing realistic experiments, analyzing numerical results, and refining prompt responses for AI training quality.

This is a part-time contract role (20+ hours/week) paid hourly at USD 80–90 per hour. The role is remote and open to applicants worldwide who can work in English.

• Employment: Contractor, Part-time.
• Time commitment: 20+ hours per week.
• Pay: PAY_PER_HOUR, USD 80–90/hr.
• Data type: Text; label tasks: Text generation and Question answering.

What you'll do

Your day-to-day work will center on high-accuracy written deliverables that teach models to handle complex engineering problems. Deliverables must be precise, well-documented, and reproducible where applicable.

• Deliver authoritative written responses to engineering prompts in your specialty.
• Review and interpret scientific literature to provide accurate, current context.
• Design and document realistic experimental scenarios based on advanced engineering principles.
• Analyze data, apply calculus and quantitative methods, and interpret results to inform training examples.
• Collaborate with project coordinators to iterate and improve response quality.

Requirements

Candidates must meet the core technical and communication requirements below. These are strict: the role expects PhD-level depth and the ability to produce high-accuracy technical text.

• PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (required).
• Strong calculus, data analysis, research methodology, and experimental-design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for complex technical concepts in English.
• Proven ability to review scientific literature and synthesize findings into clear guidance.
• Detail-oriented, committed to high-quality, complete written deliverables.
• No prior AI-specific experience required.

Who should apply

This opportunity is ideal for PhD-trained engineers who enjoy translating deep technical knowledge into clear, teachable examples and who want part-time, remote contract work that directly influences how AI systems understand engineering.

• Academic researchers, postdocs, or industry PhD engineers with strong writing skills.
• Those who can work independently and collaborate with coordinators to refine outputs.
• Applicants comfortable producing precise, reproducible technical content and quantitative analyses.

Compensation, logistics, and how to apply

Compensation is PAY_PER_HOUR at USD 80–90/hr. The role is contract, part-time, and requires a commitment of at least 20 hours per week. Work is text-focused (TEXT data) and involves TEXT_GENERATION and QUESTION_ANSWERING labeling tasks.

OpenTrain manages the hiring, coordination, and payments. To apply, create a free OpenTrain account, complete your profile, and submit your application through the platform. Project coordinators will provide task-specific guidance and review criteria.

• Languages: English required.
• Location: Remote, worldwide applicants accepted.
• Labeling software and specific workflows will be provided by project coordinators after hire.