Mechanical Engineer AI Trainer

Mindrift; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Part time

Job summary

A project-based AI opportunity provider is seeking mechanical engineers for flexible, part-time projects in Cape Town. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 3 years of experience, with strong Python skills for validating numerical results. Contributors will engage in designing problems, evaluating AI solutions, and applying engineering validations. This opportunity offers competitive hourly rates up to $20 and flexible hours based on project requirements, ensuring a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python for numerical validation.
• Stable internet connection required.

Responsibilities

• Design graduate- and industry-level mechanical engineering problems.
• Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness and assumptions.
• Validate results using Python libraries like NumPy and Pandas.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Python proficiency

English (C1/C2)

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

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 graduate- and industry-level mechanical engineering problems grounded in real practice
• Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, assumptions, and engineering logic
• Validate analytical or numerical results using Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
• Improve AI reasoning to align with first principles and accepted engineering standards
• Apply structured scoring criteria to assess multi-step problem solving.

What We Look For

This opportunity is a good fit for mechanical engineers with experience in python open to part-time, non-permanent projects. Ideally, contributors will have:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields, e.g. Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Design, Computational Mechanics, etc.
• 3+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience
• Strong written English (C1/C2)
• Strong Python proficiency for numerical validation
• Stable internet connection

Professional certifications (e.g., PE, CEng, PMP) and experience in international or applied projects are an advantage.

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.

Payment

• Paid contributions, with rates up to $20/hour*
• Fixed project rate or individual rates, depending on the project
• Some projects include incentive payments
• Note: Rates vary based on expertise, skills assessment, location, project needs, and other factors. Higher rates may be offered to highly specialized experts. Lower rates may apply during onboarding or non-core project phases. Payment details are shared per project