Lead Backend Engineer - AI Tooling
Alignerr • Remote • Posted 0 days ago
Education
Any
Type
Pay Rate
$62.5/task
Posted
0d ago
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About this Role
What You'll Do
- Design, build, and optimize high-performance Python systems supporting AI data pipelines and evaluation workflows
- Develop backend services and full-stack tooling for large-scale data annotation, validation, and quality control
- Architect robust APIs (REST/GraphQL), design database schemas, and implement authentication and authorization flows
- Improve reliability, performance, and safety across existing Python codebases
- Collaborate with data, research, and engineering teams to support model training and evaluation workflows
- Identify bottlenecks and edge cases in data and system behavior, and implement scalable solutions
- Lead synchronous code reviews and contribute to system design decisions
About the Role
What if your Python expertise could directly shape the infrastructure powering next-generation AI models? We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to design and build the data pipelines, annotation systems, and evaluation tooling that leading AI labs depend on to train and improve their most important models. This is a fully remote contract role with flexible hours — real, high-impact engineering work on production systems at the frontier of AI development.
- Organization: Alignerr
- Type: Hourly Contract
- Location: Remote
- Commitment: 20–40 hours/week
Who You Are
- Native or fluent English speaker with strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experienced full-stack developer with a strong systems programming background
- 5+ years of professional experience writing production Python backend services
- Deep familiarity with modern web frameworks and strict type enforcement patterns
- Comfortable leading code reviews and driving system design discussions
- Able to commit 20–40 hours per week with reliable availability
Nice to Have
- Prior experience with data annotation, data quality, or evaluation systems
- Familiarity with AI/ML workflows, model training, or benchmarking pipelines
- Experience with distributed systems or developer tooling
- Background working directly with or alongside AI research teams
Why Join Us
- Work on real production systems used by leading AI labs — not toy projects
- Fully remote and flexible — structure your hours around your life
- Freelance autonomy with the depth and challenge of high-stakes engineering work
- Make a tangible impact on AI systems that are shaping the future of technology
- Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch
Requirements
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in STEM
Eligible Languages
Fluent proficiency in English
Compensation Analysis
What if your Python expertise could directly shape the infrastructure powering next-generation AI models? We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to design and build the data pipelines, annotation systems, and evaluation tooling that leading AI labs depend on to train and improve their most important models. This is a fully remote contract role
Skills & Categories
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the assessment actually like?
Notoriously strict. Alignerr uses TestGorilla for role-specific timed tests — a blank coding environment for engineers, rigorous grammar and fact-checking for writers. There is almost no hand-holding. The critical catch: this is essentially a one-shot process. Fail or abandon the assessment, and you are typically locked out of that role permanently with no option to retake.
How quickly can I start earning after I pass?
Not immediately. Even after passing the assessment and completing identity verification (via Persona) and billing setup (via Deel), you may sit in a waiting pool for weeks or months. You only start earning when a project matching your specific skills launches and you are officially assigned. Do not plan around Alignerr income until you are actively on a project.
Is there a community?
Yes — and it is one of Alignerr's genuine strengths. Once assigned to a project, you are added to Slack channels where you can ask questions, get rubric clarifications from admins, and talk to other AI trainers. This is rare in AI training and makes a real difference when guidelines are ambiguous or change mid-project.
Is this just labeling data?
No. This is closer to academic research. You will likely be writing or verifying complex proofs, solving advanced equations, or checking the logic of a model's step-by-step reasoning. The goal is to teach AI systems to reason deeply in your field.
Do I need a PhD?
For the highest pay tiers in this category, a PhD (or current enrollment) is usually expected. However, the most important factor is your ability to pass the domain assessment. If you can solve the problems, the degree is secondary.
Is the work continuous?
Work in niche fields is often project-based. A specific "campaign" (e.g., training a model on Quantum Mechanics) might last for a few weeks. It is best to treat this as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
What is the barrier to entry?
Alignerr is known for difficult technical assessments. You must pass a timed test in your specific domain (e.g., Python, Physics, or Language) before you are eligible for any paid projects.