
Senior Software Engineer
Listing checked November 13, 2026 · pay as published by micro1
Key details
- Pay
- $80–120/hr
- Location
- Remote
- Job type
- contract
- Openings
- 10
- Posted
- November 9, 2026
Overview
micro1 seeks a Senior Software Engineer to build Reinforcement Learning Environments that test AI models on real-world software engineering workflows. You will design reproducible environments and golden reference solutions for tasks like DevOps, CI/CD, and debugging with tools such as git, docker, gdb, asan, and ffmpeg. This is a remote contractor role at roughly 15 hours per week, with pay per completed task. No prior AI experience is needed; your engineering depth is what counts.
What You'll Do8
- Create reproducible RL environments that evaluate an AI model's ability to handle complex software engineering workflows.
- Write golden reference solutions for each environment to serve as the correct outcome.
- Design scenarios that mirror common DevOps, CI/CD, and debugging tasks using CLI tools like git, docker, gdb, asan, and ffmpeg.
- Debug and refine environments so they run consistently and produce reliable results.
- Implement features and refactor codebases as needed to support environment creation.
- Tune performance and scalability of the environments you build.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, often remotely, to align on task specifications.
- Meet minimum weekly submission requirements for completed tasks.
Requirements7
- Proficiency in at least one of C++, Python, Java, GoLang, TypeScript, or Rust.
- Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and performance tuning.
- Demonstrated experience debugging complex software issues and delivering maintainable solutions.
- Strong background in feature development and codebase refactoring.
- Proven ability to optimize software for performance and scalability.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with keen attention to detail.
- Track record of success in collaborative, cross-functional teams, ideally in remote settings.
Preferred Qualifications3
- Previous experience working on large-scale, distributed codebases.
- Familiarity with modern AI or machine learning systems is a plus, though not required.
- Background in participating in rigorous code reviews and contributing to software best practices.
Who Should Apply
Engineers with strong debugging, refactoring, and performance-tuning skills in C++, Python, Java, GoLang, TypeScript, or Rust. You should be comfortable building reproducible workflows with CLI tools and writing clear reference solutions. No AI background is required.
Salary Insight
Compensation is $80 to $120 per hour, paid per task that meets project specifications. The time to complete work varies with experience and workflow. Minimum submission requirements apply, and experts must submit a minimum number of tasks per week.
Pay and demand for Software Engineering roles
Market estimates from live NearSkill listings — separate from this job's published terms.
This role · as published
$80–120/hr
Taken from the listing itself.
Typical pay · estimated
$75/hour
Median of 899 similar roles that publish pay · 182 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Most Software Engineering roles pay $50–$100 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
- 1,052
- Listed in last 30 days
- 537
- Remote
- 96%
Hiring most right now: micro1 (336) · SME Careers (154) · Mercor (147)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- python21%
- llm evaluation15%
- ai training11%
- ai evaluation10%
Figures from Software Engineering roles live on NearSkill when this page loaded. A role can close before you apply, so check the listing itself.
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