Backend Engineer
Micro1 • Remote
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate (by country)
$30–$80/hr
Actively Hiring
10 openings
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About this Role
From the Micro1 listing
Job Title: Backend Engineer Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain robust backend services and APIs leveraging Python, Java, FastAPI, and related frameworks.
- Architect scalable systems using microservices to ensure performance and reliability in cloud environments.
- Model, implement, and optimize both relational (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Cassandra) databases, ensuring data integrity and access efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with front-end teams to integrate seamless APIs and deliver end-to-end solutions.
- Deploy and manage applications using Docker and Kubernetes in modern cloud infrastructures like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Champion best practices in code quality, version control (Git), security, and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD).
- Lead and mentor team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the customer's team.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Advanced proficiency in Python and Java with hands-on experience in FastAPI and frameworks such as Spring, Django, or Flask.
- Deep understanding of both SQL and NoSQL databases, including data modeling, optimization, and query design.
- Strong background in API development, integration, and microservices architectures.
- Highly skilled in using Git for version control and collaborating on distributed teams.
- Proven experience with containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and precision, essential for remote teamwork.
- Demonstrated commitment to secure software development and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading backend or cross-functional teams in remote or distributed settings.
- Familiarity with advanced cloud solutions, including deployment, scaling, and monitoring on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- History of designing and deploying highly available, mission-critical backend systems.
Requirements
- Python
- JAVA
- FastAPI
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain robust backend services and APIs leveraging Python, Java, FastAPI, and related frameworks.
- Architect scalable systems using microservices to ensure performance and reliability in cloud environments.
- Model, implement, and optimize both relational (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Cassandra) databases, ensuring data integrity and access efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with front-end teams to integrate seamless APIs and deliver end-to-end solutions.
Why This Role
Work from anywhere, at any time. This fully remote Backend Engineer position ($55/hr) breaks down geographic barriers, allowing you to earn US-competitive rates regardless of your local market. It is a perfect stepping stone for building a career in the STEM ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to Micro1 from outside the US or UK?
Yes. Micro1 accepts applicants from most countries worldwide, unlike DataAnnotation or Outlier, both of which cap access to a handful of English-speaking countries. Most roles still require strong written and spoken English.
Does Micro1 monitor your computer while you work?
On many projects, yes, through time-tracking tools that take periodic screenshots to verify active hours. Check the specific project's requirements before accepting if desktop monitoring is a dealbreaker.
What does the Micro1 application process look like?
Expect a screening interview with Zara, Micro1's AI recruiter. Prepare for it like a real video call: good lighting, clear audio, verbal answers to technical questions. A human manager reviews the recording afterward, and some roles add a short skills assessment on top.
Is academic-niche AI training just data labeling?
No, it's closer to academic research. Expect to write or verify complex proofs, solve advanced equations, or check the logic behind a model's step-by-step reasoning. The goal is teaching AI systems to reason deeply within your specific field.
Do I need a PhD for academic-niche AI training roles?
For the top pay tiers, a PhD or current enrollment is usually expected. But the domain assessment is what actually decides it: if you can solve the problems, the degree becomes secondary.
Is academic-niche AI training a continuous job?
Usually not. Work runs in campaigns, like training a model specifically on quantum mechanics, that might last a few weeks. Treat it as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
What does STEM work look like for a Backend Engineer?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Backend Engineer, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to STEM) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on STEM background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What does the 'openings' count on this listing mean?
It's Micro1's live count of how many candidates it's still trying to place for this specific role, 10 right now, not a countdown on your individual application. A higher number signals more active demand; it doesn't lower the bar for acceptance.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Micro1's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.