Software Engineer (GitHub Contributor)
Listing checked October 14, 2026 · pay as published by Micro1
Overview
This contract role puts your coding skills to work on AI training data. You will build reproducible Reinforcement Learning Environments that test how well an AI model can fix code, add features, refactor, and improve performance. Each task includes a golden reference solution. You do not need prior AI experience. Your Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript background is what matters. Tasks take about 15 hours per run, and you can work from anywhere.
What You'll Do8
- 1Create realistic coding problems that challenge an AI model to implement features and fix bugs.
- 2Write deterministic verifiers that accept any valid solution and reject everything else.
- 3Produce a golden reference solution for every problem you design.
- 4Analyze and resolve complex defects and performance bottlenecks across different codebases.
- 5Refactor legacy code to improve clarity, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
- 6Document your technical reasoning and solution approaches to improve training data quality.
- 7Review code and technical submissions from other contributors for accuracy and clarity.
- 8Contribute expert-level code samples and debugging strategies in at least one of the listed languages.
Requirements9
- 1Strong backend development experience in Java, Node.js, Go, Rust, TypeScript, Python, C++, or a similar language.
- 2A track record of building scalable services and APIs.
- 3Comfort with debugging, performance tuning, and automated testing.
- 4Solid instincts for reviewing code.
- 5Proven ability to identify and fix software bugs and system bottlenecks.
- 6Experience refactoring codebases and implementing complex features in large applications.
- 7Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and core computer science concepts.
- 8Clear written and verbal communication for technical topics.
- 9A GitHub profile that shows open source contributions, or willingness to take a HackerRank assessment.
Who Should Apply
Backend engineers with strong skills in Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript who enjoy debugging, refactoring, and performance work. You should have a public GitHub profile with open source contributions, or be ready to pass a technical assessment. Curiosity about AI is a plus, but no prior AI experience is needed.
Salary Insight
Pay ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Compensation is output-based, meaning you are 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 Software Engineering roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$74/hour
This role
$50–$100/hr
Most Software Engineering roles pay $45–$100 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Based on 1,109 similar roles that publish pay · 303 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
- 1,277
- Listed in last 30 days
- 495
- Remote
- 97%
Hiring most right now: micro1 (373) · SME Careers (254) · Mercor (165)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- ai training13%
- llm evaluation11%
- ai evaluation11%
- data annotation9%
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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Compensation
$50–100/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
Make sure your GitHub profile clearly shows contributions in at least one of the required languages, such as Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript. If your profile does not fully demonstrate your expertise, be prepared for a HackerRank assessment. Highlight specific examples of bug fixes, refactoring, or performance improvements you have delivered.
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