Software Engineer for AI Training

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for people building careers in AI training and data labeling. We help contributors discover projects, build an AI training portfolio, and grow freelance careers in a fast-moving field.

Our community does the human work that teaches AI systems — from annotation to evaluation — and OpenTrain provides the tools and projects to build durable, remote-friendly careers in this industry.

About AI training and this work

AI training (also called data labeling or human feedback work) is the human side of making AI behave reliably. Contributors create and evaluate examples that modern models learn from — in this role you'll focus on coding and software-engineering evaluations that directly shape model behavior.

This is cutting-edge, largely remote, and often flexible work: contributors influence how models solve real software problems while working part time and collaborating with engineers and annotators worldwide.

The role

OpenTrain is recruiting a contractor Software Engineer to design Reinforcement Learning Environments used to evaluate AI systems on software engineering tasks. The role emphasizes reproducible environments, golden reference solutions, and precise documentation so model responses can be assessed automatically and reliably.

This is a part-time contractor role. The project description asks for approximately 15 hours per week while the structured time requirement lists 20+ hours/week; expect a weekly commitment within that range. The position is remote and open worldwide. Employment type: Contractor, Part-time.

• Work type: Remote contractor, part-time
• Time commitment: approximately 15–20+ hours per week (see role notes above)
• Language: English required
• Open to applicants worldwide

What you'll do

Build reproducible reinforcement-learning environments and scoring harnesses that evaluate AI performance on coding problems. Deliver golden reference solutions and clear specs so model outputs are measured consistently.

Collaborate with other engineers and reviewers to ensure environments meet project requirements and produce reliable evaluation metrics.

• Design and implement RL environments for code fixing, feature creation, refactoring, and optimization.
• Create reproducible setups and golden reference solutions for each task.
• Document environments, test cases, and evaluation criteria thoroughly.
• Verify environments meet project specs so model responses can be accurately assessed.

Requirements

You must demonstrate advanced software engineering skills and the ability to deliver maintainable, high-performance code in real-world codebases. The posting lists these required skills in both the role description and additional requirements.

• Proficiency in one or more: C++, Python, Java, GoLang, TypeScript, or Rust (advanced level required).
• Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and performance optimization.
• Proven experience debugging complex software issues and delivering maintainable solutions.
• Strong background in feature development and refactoring existing codebases.
• Proven ability to optimize software for performance and scalability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration.
• Track record of success working in collaborative, cross-functional teams.

Preferred background

The following experiences are not required but are desirable and will help you be effective in this role.

• Experience working on large-scale, distributed codebases.
• Familiarity with modern AI or machine learning systems (helpful but not required).
• A history of rigorous code review practices and software engineering best practices.

Compensation and logistics

Pay is hourly. The posting lists an hourly rate up to $150/hour and structured metadata lists a minimum of $50/hr and a maximum of $150/hr. Payment type: PAY_PER_HOUR.

You will be hired as a contractor and will work remotely. OpenTrain is the hiring organization; applicants retain the flexibility and freelancing benefits common in AI training work.

• Pay: up to $150 per hour (metadata shows $50–$150/hr; posted rate $150/hr).
• Employment: Contractor, Part-time.
• Data type: Computer code / programming tasks tied to evaluation and labeling.

How to apply

If you meet the requirements and want to help shape how AI systems are evaluated on coding problems, apply through OpenTrain. Include examples of relevant engineering work and note languages and systems you've used.

Applications should highlight reproducible environment work, reference solutions or test harnesses you've built, and your experience collaborating on distributed codebases.