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Data Annotation Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

AI Data Science Expert - Remote

San Jose, CA · Remote

$100 - $200/hr

Data Annotation * Data Interpretation * Fact Checking * Independent Research * Problem-Solving * Attention to Detail Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine ...

YO AI Labs

AI Data Science Expert - Remote

Palo Alto, CA · Remote

$100 - $200/hr

Data Annotation * Data Interpretation * Fact Checking * Independent Research * Problem-Solving * Attention to Detail Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine ...

Sieve

Data Operations Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Sieve is an AI research lab focused on video data, aiming to solve the bottleneck in the growth of ... data annotation, curation, and quality review • Build and improve QA processes to ensure data ...

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Data Annotation Research information

What is data annotation research?

Data annotation research involves studying and developing methods for labeling data, such as images, text, or audio, to be used in training machine learning models. Researchers in this field focus on improving annotation accuracy, efficiency, and scalability, as well as addressing challenges like bias and consistency. This work is critical because high-quality annotated data is essential for building effective AI systems. Data annotation research often includes exploring new tools, techniques, and guidelines for human annotators or automated labeling systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data annotation researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Annotation Researcher, you need strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and familiarity with data labeling concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science, linguistics, or a related field. Experience with annotation platforms, data management tools, and sometimes knowledge of programming languages like Python are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently set standout contributors apart. These skills ensure high-quality, accurate data labeling, which is crucial for developing reliable AI and machine learning models.

What are some common challenges faced in data annotation research roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Data Annotation Research often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in labeling, dealing with ambiguous data, and managing large datasets efficiently. These issues can be addressed by following detailed annotation guidelines, participating in regular calibration sessions with the team, and utilizing annotation tools that support quality control checks. Collaboration with data scientists and project managers is essential to clarify ambiguities and ensure that annotated data meets the project's requirements. Staying proactive in communication and continuous learning helps to minimize errors and improve overall data quality.

What is the difference between Data Annotation Research vs Data Labeling Specialist?

AspectData Annotation ResearchData Labeling Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a background in data science, research methods, or related fieldsOften requires basic technical skills and experience with labeling tools
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, or remote research teamsData centers, tech companies, or remote labeling teams
Industry UsageUsed in AI/ML research, developing annotation methodologiesUsed in preparing datasets for machine learning models
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research-focused roles in data annotationLooking for practical data labeling jobs

Data Annotation Research involves exploring new annotation techniques and improving data quality for AI models, often requiring research skills. In contrast, Data Labeling Specialists focus on applying existing labeling tools to annotate datasets efficiently. Both roles are essential in AI development but differ in scope and expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Data Annotation Research jobs in California?

For Data Annotation Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Data Annotation Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Annotation Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Data Annotation Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Data Annotation Research job openings:

Data Annotation Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Annotation Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Data Annotation Lead

Physical Intelligence

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Physical Intelligence is bringing general-purpose AI into the physical world. We are a group of engineers, scientists, roboticists, and company builders developing foundation models and learning algorithms to power the robots of today and the physically-actuated devices of the future.
The role
We're looking for a Data Annotation Lead to own annotation operations and scale the team behind it. Annotation is core to how our models improve, and demand is growing fast. You will scale the annotation workforce from 100s to 1,000s while raising the quality bar - designing the org, the training pipeline, the quality system, and the metrics that let it scale efficiently.
You will own the people and the operation: throughput, quality, cost, and delivery across every annotation type.
In this role you will
  • Own annotation operations end-to-end: throughput, quality, cost, and on-time delivery across all annotation types.
  • Scale the annotation workforce from 100s to 1,000s: workforce planning, org design, and the hiring and onboarding funnel.
  • Build and lead a multi-layer management structure; hire, develop, and manage managers and team leads.
  • Scale throughput with autolabeling and model-based annotation: design human-in-the-loop workflows where models pre-label and annotators review, correct, and escalate, so output grows faster than headcount.
  • Stand up the training and certification pipeline that brings new annotators and teams to the quality bar quickly and consistently.
  • Define and continuously raise the quality bar: rubrics, calibration, audit/QA loops, and quality-adjusted productivity.
  • Establish operational metrics and reporting (presence, throughput, acceptance/rejection, rework) and drive week-over-week improvement.
  • Run capacity planning and prioritization against competing demand; allocate teams to the highest-impact work.
  • Manage performance at scale with clear standards, feedback, and a fair improvement/exit process.
  • Partner with product and engineering to define annotation tooling that unlocks throughput and quality.
  • Partner with research and project leads to translate annotation needs into clear instructions, rubrics, and SLAs.
  • Own the in-house vs. vendor mix and manage external partners where used.
  • Own the annotation operating budget and unit economics; improve cost-per-annotation while protecting quality.

What you'll bring
  • 7+ years leading scaled data or annotation operations, including teams in the 100s+.
  • 3+ years as a manager of managers.
  • Track record standing up 0→1 annotation programs.
  • Deep command of annotation best practices, operations, and strategy.
  • Experience integrating autolabeling and model-based annotation into human workflows; building human-in-the-loop pipelines that raise throughput without sacrificing quality.
  • Fluency with operational and quality metrics; data-driven management of large workforces.
  • Strong cross-functional partnership with product, engineering, and research/ML.
  • Clear written and verbal communication; able to set and hold standards across a large, distributed team.
  • Working understanding of ML and why annotation quality drives model performance.

Nice to have
  • Experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or frontier-AI data pipelines.
  • Experience managing distributed/global and/or vendor workforces.
  • Built annotation tooling or partnered tightly with a tooling team.
  • Experience training or fine-tuning autolabeling models, or partnering closely with the ML teams that do.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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