Software Engineer — AI Training Contractor

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for people building careers in AI training and data labeling. We help experienced contributors and newcomers discover projects, track opportunities across the industry, and build a unified AI training portfolio they control.

Through OpenTrain you can find flexible, remote contract work that directly contributes to how AI systems behave—while growing skills that are in high demand across tech.

About AI Training Work

AI training (also called data labeling or human feedback work) is the human side of building artificial intelligence: people prepare, correct, and evaluate examples that modern models learn from. Projects range from annotating images to reviewing and improving model outputs.

This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and AI training: your technical contributions help models learn from higher‑quality code examples and more accurate behavior.

• Remote, flexible work that often fits alongside other commitments.
• Accessible entry points—many projects value real expertise and clear communication over formal degrees.
• Contributors directly shape model behavior and engineering best practices used in production systems.

The Role

OpenTrain is recruiting for a remote software engineering contractor to support AI training efforts by applying real‑world coding expertise. This is a part‑time contract position expected to require 20+ hours per week.

Compensation is hourly (PAY_PER_HOUR) in USD with an advertised range of $40–$85/hr (top rate $85/hr). English fluency is required; the role is open worldwide.

• Employment type: Contractor, Part‑time.
• Time commitment: 20+ hours/week.
• Language: English required; open to applicants worldwide.

What You'll Do

You will use expert software engineering judgment to improve code quality, performance, and maintainability across codebases used to train and evaluate AI systems. Clear documentation and collaborative feedback are essential parts of the role.

• Contribute expert‑level work in at least one language (Python3, Java, Rust, TypeScript, C++, or Go).
• Debug complex software issues and deliver maintainable fixes.
• Implement features, refactor code, and optimize performance and scalability.
• Evaluate system architecture and recommend technical strategies to improve model outcomes.
• Document best practices, technical progress, and findings to support reproducible AI training.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate strong, practical software engineering skills and the ability to communicate technical ideas clearly to cross‑functional teams. This listing is open to entry‑level applicants who meet the technical criteria below.

• Strong proficiency in at least one of: Python3, Java, Rust, TypeScript, C++, or Go.
• Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and performance tuning.
• Experience with feature development, refactoring, and software optimization.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration.
• Proven track record of working effectively in collaborative, cross‑functional, remote settings.

Helpful Background

The following experiences are not required but will help you succeed in this role and may lead to higher impact work on large, production systems.

• Experience with large‑scale, distributed codebases or production services.
• Familiarity with modern AI or machine learning systems and how code changes affect model behavior.
• Regular participation in code reviews and contributions to software engineering best practices.

How It Works / Apply

This project focuses on code labeling and function‑calling tasks (data type: COMPUTER_CODE_PROGRAMMING; label types include COMPUTER_PROGRAMMING_CODING and FUNCTION_CALLING). You will be evaluated on technical skill, clarity of documentation, and collaboration.

To apply, create or sign in to your OpenTrain account, complete your profile with relevant engineering experience, and submit an application to this listing so OpenTrain can review your qualifications.

• Compensation: Hourly pay (USD) between $40–$85/hr; PAY_PER_HOUR.
• Work is remote and open worldwide to English speakers.
• Employment format: contractor, part‑time; expected 20+ hours/week.