Strategic Project Lead - Physical Engineering

About the Role

Appen’s Strategic Project Leads turn complex technical requirements into high-quality data and evaluation resources that help advance AI models. 

As the Strategic Project Lead for Physical Engineering, you will bring deep engineering knowledge to projects involving the physical world and built environment. You will help translate real-world engineering work into structured tasks, expert-reviewed data and evaluations that support AI training and model assessment. 

You will bring depth in at least one physical engineering discipline, such as mechanical, electrical, civil or structural engineering, while working with specialists across other areas as needed. You will partner with customers, Applied Researchers, Operations and technical experts to shape project requirements, establish quality standards and deliver technically credible results. 

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You will lead through subject matter expertise and influence, rather than direct people management. 

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing engineering data, technical tasks or evaluation resources for AI training, model evaluation or benchmarking.
• Familiarity with CAD/BIM interoperability, open engineering formats or structured validation of engineering models and documentation.
• Experience building specialist contributor networks or leading distributed technical delivery with external engineering experts. 

At Appen, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We value curiosity, accountability, and a commitment to delivering the highest quality AI solutions for frontier models.

You'll work on complex challenges that shape the future of AI across industries and geographies, alongside talented people in a culture that values humility over ego. You'll have the flexibility to deliver in a way that works for you and your team, supported by tools, resources, and development opportunities to continue to build your capability over time.