Annotation Specialist / Data Specialist [AQ-26061]

Aquent; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a global technology leader to support AI/ML data operations through a hands-on data collection and annotation role in Cupertino, CA. The contract position involves on-site work with some remote flexibility, focusing on high-quality datasets for next‑generation systems.

You will collaborate with Program Managers and QA leads, coordinating sessions and ensuring datasets meet strict quality standards for cutting-edge tech applications.

Qualifications

• Experience in data collection or data operations is preferred.
• Experience configuring annotation tools or data collection platforms.
• In-person data collection sessions or user research background is a plus.
• Basic CLI commands and Python scripting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support in-person data collection sessions, including recruitment and setup.
• Annotate datasets by classifying data, drawing bounding boxes, and rating assets.
• Identify trends, edge cases, and tool anomalies during annotation.
• Perform quality assurance reviews on data against guidelines and provide feedback.
• Prepare and organize data assets for accurate, traceable deliveries.
• Configure and troubleshoot data collection and annotation platforms before projects.

Skills

Data collection

Annotation

Quality assurance

Independent work

Multitasking

Tools

Annotation tools

Job description

Step into a pivotal role where your detail-oriented mindset and passion for data will directly shape the future of cutting‑edge technology. Partnering with Aquent, a global leader in talent solutions, you will join forces with one of the world’s most innovative technology companies to support the development of next‑generation artificial intelligence and machine learning models. In this dynamic contract position, you will play a crucial role across the entire data lifecycle, ensuring the high‑quality datasets needed to power smart, intuitive user experiences are built, refined, and delivered to perfection.

• Location: Cupertino, CA
• Schedule: In-Office T/W/Th; Remote M/F
• Duration: through 12/2027
• Max Hourly Pay Rate: $29.85/hour
• Pay Comments: W2, weekly pay, benefits, 401k w/ match
• Background screening required

The Opportunity

As a key contributor to our data operations, you will work hands‑on to support data collection, annotation, processing, and quality assurance. This fast‑paced role offers the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with Program Managers and QA Leads, moving fluidly between projects as priorities evolve. Your work will directly influence the accuracy and performance of advanced technological systems, making this an exciting space for anyone eager to make a tangible impact in the tech industry.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate and facilitate in‑person data collection sessions, including participant recruitment, logistics, lab setup, device handling, and session support.
• Annotate pilot projects by classifying data, drawing bounding boxes, and providing subjective ratings on text, image, and video assets.
• Identify and flag trends, edge cases, and tool anomalies discovered during the annotation process.
• Perform rigorous quality assurance reviews on internal and vendor‑delivered data against strict guidelines, scoring outputs and providing clear, actionable feedback.
• Prepare, organize, rename, convert, and validate data assets to ensure accurate, traceable, and high‑quality dataset deliveries.
• Configure, test, and troubleshoot data collection and annotation platforms and devices prior to project launches.

What You’ll Need

• Ability to work on‑site in Cupertino, CA 3–5 days per week.
• Proficiency navigating macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, as well as standard productivity applications (spreadsheets, presentations, and email).
• Comfort organizing, validating, and spot‑checking data files (including file renaming, reformatting, and basic spreadsheet logic).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to ask clarifying questions when instructions are ambiguous.
• Exceptional organizational skills and a sharp eye for detail.
• Strong time management abilities, with a proven track record of juggling multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• A self‑motivated work ethic, capable of working independently with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced environment.
• Consistent speed and high‑quality output when performing repetitive tasks.
• An innate ability to quickly learn and navigate new systems, tools, and platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a professional setting, ideally focused on data collection or user study data operations.
• Experience configuring annotation tools or customizing data collection platforms.
• Experience moderating in‑person data collection sessions or user research studies.
• Basic knowledge of running command‑line interface (CLI) commands in a terminal and working with Python scripts.

Client Description

Our client is a global leader in consumer technology, renowned for redefining the intersection of hardware, software, and services. Known for their uncompromising commitment to world‑class design and user experience, they create products that have become essential to daily life. You will be joining a team that values craftsmanship and simplicity, working on high‑impact projects that reach hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Other Requirements

• Location: Cupertino, CA
• Schedule: In-Office T/W/Th; Remote M/F
• Duration: through 12/2027
• Max Hourly Pay Rate: $29.85/hour
• Pay Comments: W2, weekly pay, benefits, 401k w/ match
• Background screening required