Principal Python Engineer - ML Infrastructure
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 large-scale AI data pipelines and model evaluation workflows
- Develop full-stack backend tooling and services for data annotation, validation, and quality control at scale
- Diagnose and resolve bottlenecks across compute-heavy, distributed systems using advanced async patterns and profiling techniques
- Improve reliability, safety, and performance across existing production Python codebases
- Collaborate closely with data, research, and engineering teams to accelerate model training and evaluation cycles
- Drive architectural decisions through synchronous design reviews and clear technical communication
About the Role
What if your Python expertise could directly shape the infrastructure powering some of the world's most advanced AI systems? We're looking for a Principal Python Engineer to build and optimize the data pipelines, annotation tooling, and evaluation systems that leading AI labs depend on — working on real production code with meaningful, measurable impact. This is a fully remote, flexible contract role for a senior engineer who thrives at the intersection of systems programming, distributed computing, and AI infrastructure.
- Organization: Alignerr
- Type: Hourly Contract
- Location: Remote
- Commitment: 20–40 hours/week
Who You Are
- 5+ years writing production Python for large-scale infrastructure or platform engineering
- Deep expertise in distributed computing, concurrency, and advanced asynchronous programming patterns
- Fluent in Python internals — including GIL limitations, memory profiling, and performance optimization for compute-heavy workloads
- Experienced full-stack developer with a strong systems programming background
- Clear, confident communicator capable of driving technical strategy and architectural decisions
- Native or fluent English speaker
- Available to commit 20–40 hours per week
Nice to Have
- Prior experience with data annotation, data quality, or evaluation systems
- Familiarity with AI/ML workflows, model training, or benchmarking pipelines
- Background in distributed systems architecture or developer tooling
- Exposure to working directly with AI research teams or labs
Why Join Us
- Work on real, high-impact production systems used by leading AI research labs
- Fully remote and flexible — work when and where it suits you
- Freelance autonomy with the depth and structure of meaningful, long-term technical work
- Collaborate with top engineers and researchers at the frontier of AI development
- 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 some of the world's most advanced AI systems? We're looking for a Principal Python Engineer to build and optimize the data pipelines, annotation tooling, and evaluation systems that leading AI labs depend on — working on real production code with meaningful, measurable i
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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.