Open Source Software Engineer (Remote | $150/hr)

Synthires; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 170,000 - 243,000; Part time

Job summary

Cincinnatus LLC, a platform for AI research collaborations, is seeking an Open Source Maintainer / Core Contributor to support evaluation of AI-generated code in a remote, exclusive engagement.

You will develop realistic tasks for mature open-source projects, review submissions, and provide expert feedback. The role requires strong GitHub activity, Docker proficiency, and clear technical reasoning, all on a flexible remote schedule.

Qualifications

• Must be a maintainer or core contributor of a widely used open-source project.
• Verifiable GitHub history of sustained open-source contributions.
• Senior-level code-review skills and ability to evaluate AI-generated code.
• Hands-on experience building and testing projects locally, including with Docker.

Responsibilities

• Develop realistic engineering tasks for an open-source project you know well, including features, refactoring and bug fixes.
• Create reference solutions and evaluation materials.
• Review AI-generated code, tests and rubrics against repository architecture.
• Build and test projects locally using Docker.
• Provide detailed technical feedback and evaluation rationales.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to maintain training data.

Skills

Maintainer

Core contributor

Code review

Docker

Tools

Docker

Job description

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.