Software Engineer (Open Source Contributor)
Listing checked October 14, 2026 · pay as published by Micro1
Overview
This contract role at micro1 puts your coding skills to work building training material for next-generation AI. You will design reproducible Reinforcement Learning Environments that test whether a model can fix bugs, add features, refactor code, and improve performance. Each problem needs a golden reference solution plus a deterministic verifier that accepts valid answers and rejects the rest. You can work from anywhere, and no prior AI experience is required. Tasks run about 15 hours per run, and onboarding starts as soon as you are selected.
What You'll Do9
- 1Write expert-level code samples, debugging strategies, and development notes in Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.
- 2Build reproducible Reinforcement Learning Environments that measure an AI model's ability to repair code, add features, refactor, and optimize performance.
- 3Create a golden reference solution for every problem you design.
- 4Implement deterministic verifiers that accept reasonable valid solutions and reject everything else.
- 5Analyze and resolve complex software defects and performance bottlenecks across diverse codebases.
- 6Implement new features with attention to scalability, maintainability, and software best practices.
- 7Refactor and optimize legacy code to improve clarity, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
- 8Document technical reasoning, solution approaches, and code decisions to improve AI training data quality.
- 9Review and validate peer-contributed code and technical submissions for accuracy and clarity.
Requirements10
- 1Strong backend experience in Java, Node.js, Go, Rust, TypeScript, Python, C++, or a similar language.
- 2A track record building scalable services and APIs.
- 3Comfort with debugging, performance work, and automated testing.
- 4Solid code review instincts.
- 5Significant hands-on expertise in at least one of: Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.
- 6Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles.
- 7Proven ability to debug complex systems, resolve bugs, and deliver effective optimizations.
- 8Experience with large codebase refactoring and legacy system modernization.
- 9A track record of delivering high-impact features from conception through delivery within cross-functional projects.
- 10Strong documentation and communication skills to articulate technical concepts clearly.
Who Should Apply
Backend engineers with deep experience in Python3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript who can debug complex systems, refactor large codebases, and write clear technical documentation. You should have a GitHub profile or open source contributions that show your work, or be ready to pass a HackerRank assessment. Curiosity about AI is welcome, but prior AI experience is not required.
Salary Insight
Pay ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Compensation is output-based, so you are paid per task that meets project specifications. The time to complete work varies with your 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
$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 C++, Python, Java, Go, TypeScript, or Rust. If it does not, you will be assessed through a HackerRank test instead. Highlight specific examples of bug fixes, feature implementations, refactoring, and performance optimizations in those languages.
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