AI Engineer
First seen by Alion on Sep 16, 2026.
AI Engineer
Job Type: Independent Contractor
Location: Remote
Openings: 100
Commitment: ~15 hours/week
Schedule: Flexible - choose your own working hours and days
Pay: $60-$120/hour ($46,800-$93,600 annualized, based on 15 hours/week)
About the Role
We are looking for experienced software engineers to help build and evaluate next-generation AI systems through practical, software-engineering-focused tasks.
The role involves creating reinforcement learning environments that challenge AI models to solve realistic engineering problems using Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools. You will design technical tasks, establish reliable evaluation criteria, and develop reference implementations that allow AI systems to be measured against real-world engineering standards.
AI or machine learning experience is not required. Your expertise in software development, debugging, architecture, performance, and code quality is the primary qualification.
Key Responsibilities
Design realistic software engineering challenges for AI agents.
Build reinforcement learning environments involving MCP-based tool discovery and interaction.
Create tasks covering bug resolution, feature development, refactoring, and performance optimization.
Develop reproducible environments with predictable setup and execution.
Implement deterministic tests and verification methods to assess AI-generated solutions.
Produce high-quality reference implementations and golden solutions.
Evaluate whether tasks accurately measure software engineering ability and effective MCP tool usage.
Apply sound engineering judgment to ensure tasks reflect realistic development scenarios.
Maintain a high standard for correctness, reliability, scalability, and reproducibility.
What We're Looking For
Professional proficiency in one or more of C++, Python, Java, Go, TypeScript, or Rust.
Strong command of algorithms and data structures.
Practical experience debugging complex software problems.
Demonstrated experience implementing features within established codebases.
Strong understanding of refactoring and software maintainability.
Experience identifying and resolving performance and scalability issues.
Ability to understand complex technical requirements and translate them into working solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical quality.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with distributed teams.
Preferred Experience
Large-scale or distributed systems.
AI/ML, LLMs, agentic systems, or AI evaluation.
Technical benchmarking or software evaluation.
Advanced testing and automated verification.
Code review and engineering quality processes.
Open-source or other collaborative software development environments.
Application Process
Submit your application and screening responses.
Complete an approximately 30-minute AI interview.
Complete a technical assessment, if applicable.
Hiring team review.
Contract Details
Engagement: Independent contractor
Work arrangement: Fully remote
Expected workload: Approximately 15 hours per week
Working hours: Self-directed and flexible
Weekend work: Permitted
Start: Successful candidates are expected to begin within 24-48 hours of completing onboarding.
Hiring timeline: Positions are typically filled within approximately 48 hours.
Compensation
The engagement uses an output-based payment model. Contributors are paid for completed tasks that satisfy the applicable project specifications and quality standards.
The stated $60-$120/hour rate is provided as an equivalent reference based on expected task effort. Actual compensation depends on the number, complexity, and acceptance of completed tasks rather than a guaranteed hourly salary.
Minimum weekly submission requirements apply.