Senior Python Data Scraping Engineer (Freelance)

About the Role

The role entails collaborating with Tendem Agents that handle repetitive tasks, providing critical thinking, domain expertise, and quality control to deliver accurate and actionable results. You will be working independently, with a self-directed work ethic, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining the stability of scraping operations. This part-time remote opportunity is perfect for those looking for a challenging project that leverages their technical skills to drive innovative AI projects forward.

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 a Senior Python Data Scraping Engineer, you will play a crucial role in this mission, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, structured datasets that meet defined requirements.

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 (Apify, 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, domain expertise, and quality control.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation of scraping workflows and data processing pipelines.
• Participate in the review of data scraping tasks, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing workflows.
• Utilize Google Sheets for data cleaning, normalization, and validation, delivering structured datasets.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies in web scraping and data extraction, applying this knowledge to improve workflows.

What We Are Looking For

• At least 5+ years of relevant experience in data engineering, web scraping, automation, or software development.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical fields.
• Strong technical foundation and practical experience with scripting, automation, and AI-assisted workflows.
• Experience in Python web scraping (BeautifulSoup, Selenium, or similar), 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).
• Demonstrated experience handling anti-bot mechanisms and dynamic site structures at scale.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS or equivalent) and containerization (Docker) as part of real workflows.
• Hands-on experience with LLM frameworks (LangChain, OpenRouter, or similar) applied to automation tasks.

Nice to Have

• Experience with other programming languages, such as Java or R.
• Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and their application in data scraping and processing.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git.
• Participation in open-source projects or personal initiatives related to web scraping and data engineering.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive hourly rate, with the potential to earn up to $45 per hour equivalent, depending on the level and pace of contribution.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projects with a leading tech innovator.
• Flexible, part-time remote work arrangement, with an estimated 10-20 hours per week during active phases.
• Collaboration with a diverse team of specialists and AI experts.
• Access to the latest tools and technologies in web scraping and data extraction.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and support for continuous learning.
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance and contributions to the project.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment that values innovation and teamwork.

• Tip: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of complex web scraping projects, highlighting your ability to handle dynamic content and anti-bot mechanisms.
• Familiarize yourself with Mindrift's technology stack, including Apify and OpenRouter, to demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn.
• When applying, emphasize your experience with Python web scraping and data processing, as well as your understanding of data quality standards and validation checks.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to scaling scraping operations and maintaining stability against site structure changes during the interview.
• Highlight your ability to work independently and troubleshoot issues, as this is a key requirement for the role.
• Consider mentioning your experience with cloud infrastructure and containerization, as well as any familiarity with LLM frameworks, to show your versatility in data engineering and automation.
• Keep your resume and online profiles up-to-date, showcasing your relevant skills and experience in web scraping and data extraction.