Cyber Security Engineer

Appsierra Group; American Samoa; On-site; USD 58,000 - 192,000; Part time

Job summary

Appsierra Group is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer for a remote, part-time contract (~15 hours/week). The role focuses on hands-on software engineering and cybersecurity to evaluate and improve next-generation AI systems.

You will work with real-world codebases, performing debugging, vulnerability assessments, and security reviews across languages like Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, and TypeScript. Strong backend development fundamentals are valued; prior AI experience is not required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on cybersecurity experience including penetration testing and security audits.
• Proficient in one or more of Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.
• Backend development fundamentals and strong software engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, debug, and resolve bugs and security vulnerabilities across diverse codebases.
• Implement features and improve functionality using Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, and TypeScript.
• Refactor legacy code to improve maintainability, security, and performance.

Skills

Python

Java

Rust

Go

C++

TypeScript

Debugging

Backend development

Cybersecurity

Penetration testing

Security audits

Vulnerability assessment

Algorithms

Refactoring

Performance optimization

Secure SDLC

Communication

Attention to detail

AI/ML exposure

Job description

Cyber Security Engineer

Contract · Remote · Approximately 15 hours/week

Annual Compensation Equivalent: $57,600–$192,000/year
Hourly Rate: $30–$100/hr

The annual compensation equivalent is calculated at 40 hours/week across 48 workable weeks/year and represents a full-time equivalent, not guaranteed earnings. Actual compensation is output-based and depends on completed tasks and project requirements.

About the Role

We're looking for Cyber Security Engineers to contribute hands-on software engineering and cybersecurity expertise to projects focused on evaluating and improving next-generation AI systems.

You'll work with real-world codebases and technical scenarios involving debugging, feature development, refactoring, performance optimization, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and security audits. Your engineering judgment will help create high-quality technical inputs for AI training and evaluation.

No prior AI experience is required. Your cybersecurity and software engineering expertise is the primary qualification.

What You'll Do

• Analyze, debug, and resolve software bugs and security vulnerabilities across diverse codebases.

• Implement new features and improve existing functionality using languages such as Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, and TypeScript.

• Refactor legacy code to improve maintainability, security, reliability, and performance.

• Conduct codebase audits, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and other security reviews.

• Identify security risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.

• Contribute to backend development and optimize applications for scalability and security.

• Apply algorithms and software engineering principles to complex technical problems.

• Document findings, technical reasoning, and recommended improvements.

• Provide practical engineering and cybersecurity insights that can strengthen AI training and evaluation datasets.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong proficiency in one or more of Python, Java, Rust, Go, C++, or TypeScript.

• Proven experience debugging and fixing software issues in complex codebases.

• Backend development experience and strong software engineering fundamentals.

• Hands-on cybersecurity experience, including penetration testing, security audits, and vulnerability assessment.

• Knowledge of algorithms, codebase refactoring, and performance optimization.

• Understanding of secure software development practices and modern cybersecurity threats.

• Ability to analyze technical problems and communicate findings clearly and concisely.

• Strong attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills.

• Experience with AI, machine learning, or data-driven projects is useful but not required.

Assessment & Selection Process

The process may include:

1. Application and screening questions

2. Approximately 30-minute AI interview

3. Technical assessment, if required

4. Hiring manager review

Schedule & Engagement

• Remote contractor engagement

• Approximately 15 hours per week

• Flexible schedule — choose the hours and days that work for you, including weekends if preferred

• Work is output-based, with compensation tied to tasks that meet project specifications

• Minimum weekly task submission requirements apply

• The time required for each task may vary depending on complexity, experience, and workflow

Start Timeline

Selected candidates are expected to be ready to begin promptly. After completing onboarding, you should be prepared to start your first tasks within approximately 24–48 hours.