AI Software Engineer for RL Environments

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain AI is the hiring and contracting organization for this role. OpenTrain helps people build careers in AI training and data labeling, where expert contributors shape how advanced AI systems learn, reason, and perform.

• Remote contractor opportunity
• Free OpenTrain account and streamlined application process
• Work on cutting-edge AI training projects

About AI Training Work

AI training is the human side of building artificial intelligence. People with software engineering expertise create examples, tests, evaluations, and feedback that help AI models improve on real-world tasks.

• Contribute directly to the development of next-generation AI systems
• Apply your existing technical expertise; prior AI experience is not required
• Flexible work can fit around other responsibilities

The Role

OpenTrain AI is seeking an expert Software Engineer to create reinforcement learning environments that test an AI model’s ability to solve complex software engineering problems using Model Context Protocol tools. You will help design realistic tasks in which agents discover and reason over information from real MCP servers.

The work may cover bug fixes, feature implementation, code refactoring, and performance optimization. You will create reproducible environments, deterministic verification, and golden reference solutions that measure both MCP tool use and software engineering ability.

• Contractor, part-time role of approximately 15 hours per week
• Expected commitment is under 20 hours per week
• Project duration is expected to be 3 to 6 months
• Remote work with flexible hours and days, including weekends if desired
• Hourly pay range of $60 to $120 USD

What You’ll Do

You will turn complex software engineering scenarios into rigorous environments that allow AI systems to be tested consistently. Your work should produce reliable signals about an agent’s ability to use tools, understand codebases, and deliver maintainable technical solutions.

• Build reinforcement learning environments for software engineering tasks
• Create tasks involving debugging, feature development, refactoring, and performance tuning
• Enable agents to discover and reason over information from real MCP servers
• Design reproducible environments and deterministic verification
• Develop golden reference solutions for evaluating agent performance
• Measure both MCP tool use and software engineering ability

Requirements and Qualifications

This role is intended for expert-level software engineers with strong practical experience building, debugging, and improving software. Domain expertise matters more than prior experience working in AI.

• Expertise in C++, Python, Java, Go, TypeScript, or Rust
• Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and performance tuning
• Demonstrated experience debugging complex software issues
• Experience delivering maintainable solutions, developing features, and refactoring codebases
• Proven ability to optimize software for performance and scalability
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Track record of success in collaborative, cross-functional teams, ideally in remote settings
• Fluent English proficiency
• Candidates must be based in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or Germany

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience is helpful but not required. Familiarity with AI or machine learning systems can support the work, while the primary qualification is strong software engineering expertise.

• Experience working on large-scale, distributed codebases
• Familiarity with modern AI or machine learning systems
• Experience participating in rigorous code reviews
• Experience contributing to software development best practices

How to Apply

Apply through OpenTrain AI for consideration. Creating an OpenTrain account is free, and the platform helps contributors discover and pursue flexible opportunities in AI training and data labeling.

• Review the role requirements and location eligibility
• Highlight your qualifying programming language and software engineering experience
• Indicate your availability for an engagement under 20 hours per week