Freelance Data Scraping Engineer (Python)
WFA Digital Insight
As demand for skilled data engineers grows, with a 25% increase in remote job listings in the past year, Mindrift's freelance data scraping engineer role stands out for its unique blend of technical precision and collaboration with AI agents. With the rise of Generative AI, professionals with expertise in web scraping, data extraction, and processing are in high demand. To succeed in this role, candidates will need strong Python skills, attention to detail, and experience with data cleaning and normalization. Before applying, consider highlighting your ability to work independently and troubleshoot complex data issues.
Job Description
About the Role
As a freelance data scraping engineer at Mindrift, you will play a critical role in driving specialized data scraping workflows within the company's hybrid AI + human system. This part-time remote opportunity is ideal for technical professionals with hands-on experience in web scraping, data extraction, and processing. You will collaborate with Tendem Agents to handle repetitive tasks, providing critical thinking, domain expertise, and quality control to deliver accurate and actionable results.Mindrift's platform connects specialists with AI projects from major tech innovators, aiming to unlock the potential of Generative AI by tapping into real-world expertise from across the globe. As an AI Pilot, you will be at the forefront of this mission, working on complex data extraction workflows and ensuring reliable delivery of structured datasets.
What You Will Do
- Own end-to-end data extraction workflows across complex websites, ensuring complete coverage, accuracy, and reliable delivery of structured datasets.
- Leverage internal tools, such as Apify and OpenRouter, alongside custom workflows to accelerate data collection, validation, and task execution while meeting defined requirements.
- Ensure reliable extraction from dynamic and interactive web sources, adapting approaches as needed to handle JavaScript-rendered content and changing site behavior.
- Enforce data quality standards through validation checks, cross-source consistency controls, adherence to formatting specifications, and systematic verification prior to delivery.
- Scale scraping operations for large datasets using efficient batching or parallelization, monitor failures, and maintain stability against minor site structure changes.
- Collaborate with Tendem Agents to provide critical thinking and domain expertise, enhancing the quality and accuracy of data scraping workflows.
- Participate in performance-based bonus programs that reward high-quality work and consistent delivery.
- Develop and maintain custom workflows to improve data scraping efficiency and accuracy.
- Troubleshoot complex data issues and develop creative solutions to ensure data quality and reliability.
What We Are Looking For
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in data engineering, web scraping, automation, or software development.
- Strong experience in Python web scraping, including dynamic content (JS, AJAX, infinite scroll) and APIs via proxies.
- Proven ability to extract data from complex structures (hierarchies, archived pages, inconsistent HTML).
- Solid background in data cleaning, normalization, and validation, delivering structured datasets (CSV, JSON, Google Sheets).
- Hands-on experience with LLMs and AI frameworks to enhance automation and problem-solving.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Self-directed work ethic with the ability to troubleshoot independently.
- English proficiency: Upper-intermediate (B2) or above.
- Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical fields is a plus.
Nice to Have
- Experience with additional programming languages, such as R or Julia.
- Knowledge of cloud-based data storage solutions, such as AWS S3 or Google Cloud Storage.
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git.
Benefits and Perks
- Work fully remote on your own schedule with just a laptop and stable internet connection.
- Gain hands-on experience in a unique hybrid environment where human expertise and AI agents collaborate seamlessly.
- Participate in performance-based bonus programs that reward high-quality work and consistent delivery.
- Opportunity to work on diverse AI projects from major tech innovators.
- Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, including Apify and OpenRouter.
- Flexible working hours and the ability to choose your own projects.
- Professional development opportunities to enhance your skills in data engineering and AI.
How to Stand Out
- Develop a portfolio showcasing your experience in web scraping, data extraction, and processing, highlighting complex projects and challenges overcome.
- Familiarize yourself with Mindrift's platform and the Tendem project to understand the company's mission and the role's expectations.
- Highlight your ability to work independently and troubleshoot complex data issues, as these skills are highly valued in this freelance role.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with Python web scraping, including dynamic content and APIs via proxies, and provide examples of successful projects.
- Consider taking online courses or attending webinars to enhance your skills in data cleaning, normalization, and validation, as well as LLMs and AI frameworks.
- When negotiating salary, be prepared to discuss your expected hourly rate based on your experience and the project's requirements.
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