Senior Software Engineer – Remote Contract
Listing checked September 20, 2026 · pay as published by Micro1
Overview
micro1 is hiring Senior Software Engineers to help train next-generation AI systems. You will create Reinforcement Learning Environments that test an AI model's ability to solve complex software engineering problems, such as fixing code, building features, refactoring, and optimizing performance. Your work will directly shape how models learn and reason. This is a remote contractor role, about 15 hours per week, and no prior AI experience is needed. You will use your expertise in languages like Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript to produce high-quality, real-world input.
What You'll Do8
- 1Design and build reproducible reinforcement learning environments that evaluate an AI model's software engineering skills.
- 2Create golden reference solutions for complex coding problems, covering bug fixes, feature implementation, refactoring, and performance tuning.
- 3Provide expert-level code samples, debugging strategies, and development insights in at least one of these languages: Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.
- 4Analyze and resolve intricate software defects and performance bottlenecks across varied codebases.
- 5Implement new features with attention to scalability, maintainability, and software best practices.
- 6Refactor and optimize legacy code to improve clarity, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
- 7Document your technical reasoning, solution approaches, and code decisions to enhance AI training data quality.
- 8Review and validate peer-contributed code and technical submissions for accuracy and clarity.
Requirements7
- 1Significant hands-on expertise in at least one of the following: Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.
- 2Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles.
- 3Proven ability to debug complex systems, resolve bugs, and deliver effective optimizations.
- 4Experience with large codebase refactoring and legacy system modernization.
- 5Track record of delivering high-impact features from conception through delivery within cross-functional projects.
- 6Strong documentation and communication skills to articulate technical concepts clearly.
- 7Interest in or curiosity about AI and its technical challenges. Previous AI experience is not required.
Who Should Apply
This role suits senior software engineers with deep hands-on experience in at least one of the listed languages and a strong grasp of algorithms and data structures. You should enjoy debugging complex systems, refactoring legacy code, and documenting your technical decisions. The ideal candidate is curious about AI and eager to contribute domain knowledge to train models, even without prior AI experience. This role is less suitable for engineers who prefer only greenfield development or who dislike writing detailed explanations. Candidates often get rejected when they cannot show concrete examples of refactoring or performance optimization, or when their communication about technical trade-offs is vague.
Salary Insight
Compensation is $100 to $150 per hour. Pay is output-based: you are paid per task that meets project specifications. The time to complete work varies by 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
AggregatedTypical pay
$75/hour
This role
$100–$150/hr
Most Software Engineering roles pay $50–$96 per hour. This role's pay sits above that range.
Based on 681 similar roles that publish pay · 169 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
- 759
- Listed in last 30 days
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- 97%
Hiring most right now: micro1 (301) · SME Careers (140) · Mercor (98)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- python16%
- llm evaluation15%
- ai training14%
- trainer feedback10%
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Compensation
$100–150/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
In your application, highlight specific projects where you fixed complex bugs, refactored large codebases, or optimized performance. Use exact language names like Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript, and quantify results where possible, such as reducing latency by 40% or cutting memory usage in half. This directly matches the evaluation criteria for this role.
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