Optical Engineer - Freelance AI Trainer

Mindrift; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 86,375 - 123,019; Part time

Job summary

Mindrift is seeking an Optical Engineer for part-time, project-based opportunities in Kentucky. You will design optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows, requiring creativity and strong analytical skills. Ideal candidates have a degree in Physics and 2+ years of relevant experience. This role offers flexible tasks estimated at 10-20 hours per week with compensation up to $76 per hour, depending on your expertise and contribution pace.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in applied, research, or teaching.
• Experience designing problems that mirror real physics research workflows.
• Familiarity with physics modeling and approximation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually.
• Document problem statements clearly and provide verified correct answers.

Skills

Design original optics problems

Numerical simulation methods

Creative thinking in problem design

Strong written English (C1+)

Education

Degree in Physics (Theoretical, Experimental, or Computational)

Job description

Please submit your CV in English and indicate your level of English proficiency.

Mindrift connects specialists with project-based AI opportunities for leading tech companies, focused on testing, evaluating, and improving AI systems. Participation is project-based, not permanent employment.

What This Opportunity Involves

While each project involves unique tasks, contributors may:

• Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows;
• Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks);
• Develop problems requiring non-trivial reasoning chains in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics;
• Base problems on real research challenges or practical applications from optics & physics practice;
• Document problem statements clearly and provide verified correct answers

What We Look For

This opportunity is a good fit for optical engineers open to part-time, non-permanent projects. Ideally, contributors will have:

• Degree in Physics (Theoretical, Experimental, or Computational) or related fields;
• 2+ years of professional experience: applied, research, or teaching experience is applicable;
• Experience with numerical simulation methods;
• Ability to design problems that mirror real physics research workflows;
• Creative thinking in problem design across diverse physics areas;
• Familiarity with physics modeling and approximation techniques;
• Strong written English (C1+)

How It Works

Apply → Pass qualification(s) → Join a project → Complete tasks → Get paid

Project time expectations

For this project, tasks are estimated to require around 10–20 hours per week during active phases, based on project requirements. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed workload, and applies only while the project is active.

Compensation

On this project, contributors can earn up to $76 per hour equivalent, depending on their level and pace of contribution.

Compensation varies across projects depending on scope, complexity, and required expertise. Please note that other projects on the platform may offer different earning levels based on their requirements.