About the job
Please submit your CV in English and indicate your English proficiency level.
About Mindrift
Mindrift connects specialists with project-based AI work at top technology companies. The focus is on testing, evaluating, and improving AI systems. This is project-based contract work and not a permanent employment arrangement.
Role Overview
As a Freelance Optical Engineer (Python), participate in projects that involve designing and validating computational physics challenges. Each project brings a unique set of tasks, which may include:
- Developing original computational physics problems that mirror real research workflows
- Writing problems that require Python programming to solve, using libraries like Numpy, SciPy, and Sympy
- Ensuring problems are computationally intensive and not solvable by hand within practical timeframes
- Creating challenges involving advanced reasoning in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics
- Basing problems on genuine research questions or practical physics applications
- Validating solutions in Python with established physics simulation libraries
- Documenting problem statements clearly and providing verified solutions
What We Look For
This freelance role suits optical engineers with strong Python skills seeking flexible, part-time projects. Requirements include:
- Degree in Physics (theoretical, experimental, or computational) or a related field
- Proficiency in Python for numerical validation; experience with MATLAB, R, C, SQL, Numpy, Pandas, SciPy, or similar tools is also valued
- At least 2 years of relevant experience (applied, research, or teaching)
- Background in numerical simulation methods
- Ability to design problems that reflect authentic physics research processes
- Creative approach to problem design across various physics domains
- Solid grasp of physics modeling and approximation methods
- Strong written English skills at C1 level or above
Project Workflow
- Application
- Qualification
- Project participation
- Task completion
- Compensation
Time Commitment
Expect to spend roughly 10–20 hours per week on tasks during active project phases. Actual hours may vary depending on project needs and are not guaranteed.
Compensation
Earn up to $29 per hour, based on individual contribution and pace. Rates may differ depending on project complexity and expertise required. Other projects on the Mindrift platform may offer different compensation levels.
Location
This is a remote role based in Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy.

