Optical Engineer with Python - Freelance AI Trainer

Mindrift; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 488,340 - 695,515; Part time

Job summary

Mindrift offers project-based AI opportunities connecting specialists with leading tech firms. The role involves designing computational physics problems, requiring extensive knowledge in Python, physics principles, and creative problem-solving. Applicants should hold a relevant degree and have at least two years of professional experience. This part-time, non-permanent position allows flexible hours, estimated at 10-20 hours per week with a compensation of up to $26 per hour based on performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics (Theoretical, Experimental, or Computational) or related fields.
• 2+ years of professional experience: applied, research, or teaching experience is applicable.
• Ability to design problems that mirror real physics research workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design original computational physics problems that simulate real physics research workflows.
• Create problems requiring Python programming to solve.
• Document problem statements clearly and provide verified correct answers.

Skills

Python proficiency

Creative thinking in problem design

Numerical simulation methods

Strong written English (C1+)

Education

Degree in Physics or related fields

Tools

Numpy

SciPy

MATLAB

R

C

SQL

Pandas

Stata

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 computational physics problems that simulate real physics research workflows;
• Create problems requiring Python programming to solve (using Numpy, SciPy, Sympy);
• 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 physics practice;
• Verify solutions using Python with standard physics simulation libraries;
• Document problem statements clearly and provide verified correct answers;

What We Look For

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

• Degree in Physics (Theoretical, Experimental, or Computational) or related fields;
• Python proficiency for numerical validation. MATLAB, R, C, SQL, Numpy, Pandas, SciPy, domain‑specific libraries, Stata or knowledge of any programming language can be equivalent;
• 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 $26 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.