Open Source Maintainer - Software Engineer (Remote | $150/hr)
Position:
Open Source Maintainer / Core Contributor - Software Engineer
Type:
Hourly Contract
Compensation:
$150/hour
Location:
Remote
Commitment:
30-40 hours per week, weekdays, exclusive engagement
About the Opportunity
A leading AI research project is seeking experienced open-source maintainers and core contributors to support the development and evaluation of advanced AI models. You will apply hands-on engineering expertise, code review judgment, and deep knowledge of a mature open-source codebase to create realistic engineering tasks and evaluate AI-generated code.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop realistic engineering tasks based on an open-source project you know well, including features, refactoring, and bug fixes.
- Create accurate reference solutions and evaluation materials.
- Review AI-generated code, tests, and grading rubrics against repository architecture and quality standards.
- Build, run, and test projects locally, including using Docker.
- Provide detailed technical feedback and explain the strengths and weaknesses of AI-generated solutions.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to maintain consistent and accurate training data.
Required Qualifications
- Must be a maintainer or core contributor of a widely used open-source project:
- Maintainer: Listed in MAINTAINERS or CODEOWNERS, or completed at least 10 PR reviews in the last 12 months.
- Core contributor: At least 3 substantive merged PRs in the last 12 months.
- Experience contributing to a repository that is at least 2 years old, actively maintained, has real users, and follows an established code review process.
- Verifiable history of sustained open-source contributions through your GitHub account.
- Senior-level code review skills and ability to assess AI-generated code, tests, and edge cases.
- Hands-on experience building and testing projects locally, including with Docker.
- Strong written communication and technical reasoning skills.
- Ability to personally write clear technical feedback and evaluation rationales.
Engagement Requirements
- Commit to 30-40 hours per week during weekdays.
- Maintain an exclusive engagement, with no other full-time role or AI training/evaluation projects during the contract.
- Complete required background checks and confidentiality agreements.
- Work on a company-provided device.
Compensation
Earn $150 per hour for the contract engagement.
Cincinnatus LLC serves as the employer of record, managing employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance while placing professionals within client teams.