Software Engineer (Open Source Contributor)
First seen by Alion on Oct 14, 2026.
Software Engineer (Open Source Contributor)
Role Overview
Job Type: Contract
Work Arrangement: Fully Remote - Worldwide
Compensation: $96,000-$192,000 per year (annualized equivalent)
Hourly Rate: $50-$100
Time Commitment: Approximately 15 hours per task run
Start Timeline: Within 24-48 hours of completing onboarding
About the Role
We are seeking experienced software engineers and open-source contributors to develop challenging coding tasks used to evaluate and improve AI systems. You will create realistic software engineering problems involving bug fixing, feature implementation, codebase refactoring, and performance optimization, alongside reference solutions and deterministic verification tests.
This opportunity is suited to developers with strong programming fundamentals, practical debugging experience, and demonstrable contributions to open-source projects. Previous AI experience is not required.
Key Responsibilities
Design realistic, challenging coding tasks that assess an AI system’s ability to solve software engineering problems.
Build reproducible reinforcement learning environments for evaluating code generation, debugging, and implementation capabilities.
Develop reference solutions for coding tasks and implement deterministic verifiers that accept valid solutions and reject incorrect ones.
Diagnose and resolve complex software defects, performance bottlenecks, and implementation issues across diverse codebases.
Implement scalable, maintainable features while following established software engineering practices.
Refactor existing code to improve readability, efficiency, maintainability, and reliability.
Apply algorithms, data structures, and computer science fundamentals to practical engineering problems.
Document technical reasoning, implementation decisions, debugging approaches, and solution strategies.
Review and validate code contributions and technical submissions for correctness, quality, and clarity.
Required Qualifications
Strong hands-on software engineering experience in at least one relevant programming language, such as Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.
Demonstrable software development experience, preferably supported by open-source contributions and a public GitHub profile.
Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles.
Practical experience debugging complex code, fixing bugs, and implementing features.
Familiarity with automated testing, code reviews, and software quality practices.
Ability to analyze unfamiliar codebases and develop effective, reliable solutions.
Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing backend services, scalable applications, and APIs.
Significant contributions to open-source projects.
Experience refactoring large codebases or modernizing legacy systems.
Demonstrated success improving application performance and resolving system bottlenecks.
Experience delivering complex features from planning through implementation.
Familiarity with reproducible development environments, automated evaluation, or reinforcement learning environments.
Key Skills
Python 3, Java, Rust, Go, C++, TypeScript, Node.js, algorithms, data structures, GitHub, open-source development, codebase refactoring, bug fixing, feature implementation, performance optimization, automated testing, backend development, API development, debugging, code review, and logical reasoning.
Compensation
The hourly rate is $50-$100, equivalent to approximately $96,000-$192,000 per year at 1,920 working hours annually. This annualized figure is for comparison only.
Compensation is output-based: payment is tied to tasks that meet project specifications. Actual earnings depend on task availability, completion, acceptance, and time spent. Minimum submission requirements apply, including a minimum number of tasks per week.
Application and Assessment Process
Application: Submit your application and complete the screening questions.
AI Interview: Complete an interview of approximately 20 minutes.
Technical Assessment: Complete a coding assessment if your GitHub profile does not sufficiently demonstrate the required expertise. Candidates without suitable public contributions may be assessed through a technical platform.
Hiring Manager Review: Your experience, technical skills, and assessment results will be reviewed.
Candidates who complete the role-specific AI interview may progress through the process more quickly.
Start Timeline and Availability
The project seeks candidates who can begin promptly. Selected candidates should be prepared to start their first tasks within 24-48 hours of completing onboarding. Onboarding instructions will be provided after selection.