Software Engineer – AI Training
Listing checked October 3, 2026 · pay as published by Micro1
Overview
This remote contractor role at micro1 puts your backend coding skills to work training next-generation AI. You will design realistic coding challenges that involve feature implementation and bug fixes, then build deterministic verifiers that accept valid solutions and reject everything else. Expect about 15 hours a week, with a flexible schedule you control, including weekends if you want. No prior AI experience is needed. Your domain knowledge in languages like Java, Rust, Python, or TypeScript is what matters.
What You'll Do9
- 1Create coding tasks that mirror real-world feature implementation and bug fixing scenarios for AI models to solve.
- 2Write deterministic verifiers that pass reasonable valid solutions and fail all others.
- 3Review and refine existing codebases to ensure tasks are challenging and realistic.
- 4Debug and resolve performance bottlenecks in code samples used for training.
- 5Conduct code reviews to maintain high quality across submitted tasks.
- 6Design test strategies and build test suites to validate task solutions.
- 7Diagnose flaky tests and improve testing reliability for AI evaluation.
- 8Implement complex features in large-scale applications as part of task creation.
- 9Collaborate with the team to align tasks with project specifications and submission requirements.
Requirements9
- 1Strong backend development experience in at least one of: Java, Node.js, Go, Rust, TypeScript, Python, or C++.
- 2Proven track record building scalable services and APIs.
- 3Comfort with debugging, performance tuning, and automated testing.
- 4Solid instincts for code review and maintaining code quality.
- 5Strong testing background preferred: designing test strategy, managing large test suites, or fixing flaky tests.
- 6Experience refactoring codebases and implementing complex features in large applications.
- 7Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and core computer science concepts.
- 8Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- 9Ability to work independently and complete tasks without outside assistance during assessments and on the project.
Who Should Apply
This role suits backend engineers with a few years of hands-on experience in Java, Rust, Python, TypeScript, or similar, who enjoy crafting coding problems and writing verifiers. If you have a testing background, especially designing test strategies or taming flaky tests, you will stand out. The role is less suitable for frontend-only developers or those who prefer collaborative, synchronous team environments, since you will work solo on tasks. Candidates often get rejected for lacking depth in algorithms or for relying on outside help during assessments. Also, if you cannot commit to at least 15 hours a week and start within 24-48 hours of onboarding, this may not be a fit.
Salary Insight
Compensation is $30 to $100 per hour, paid per task that meets project specifications. The time to complete work varies by experience and workflow. Minimum submission requirements apply, and you must submit a minimum number of tasks per week.
Pay and demand for Machine Learning & AI roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$75/hour
This role
$30–$100/hr
Most Machine Learning & AI roles pay $55–$105 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Based on 490 similar roles that publish pay · 94 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
- 574
- Listed in last 30 days
- 402
- Remote
- 96%
Hiring most right now: micro1 (225) · Mercor (80) · SME Careers (65)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- python20%
- technical writing9%
- ai evaluation8%
- llm evaluation8%
Figures from Machine Learning & AI roles live on NearSkill when this page loaded. A role can close before you apply, so check the listing itself.
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Compensation
$30–100/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
When filling out the screening questions, highlight specific examples of backend services you have built and any testing work like designing test strategies or fixing flaky tests. Quantify your impact, such as reducing bug rates or improving performance, and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving process without outside help during the AI interview and technical assessment.
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