Software Engineer - Open Source Contributions

Confidential; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 165,000; Part time

Job summary

Zekai is seeking a Software Engineer for Open Source Contributions on a remote contract. You will work across Python, C++, Java, Rust, and Typescript to develop features, fix bugs, and refactor legacy code. The role emphasizes high-quality, well-documented code and collaboration with a global team.

Applicants should have strong open source experience, competitive programming skills, and excellent communication. This is a 100% remote contractor role with flexible, task-based compensation.

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in at least two of Python, C++, Java, Rust, Typescript, Go or C#.
• Extensive open source contributions, especially in feature development, bug fixing, and refactoring.
• Strong problem-analysis and competitive programming experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for documentation and collaboration.
• Attention to detail in code review, validation, and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine new features in open source codebases using Python3, Java, Rust, C++, and Typescript.
• Analyze and resolve complex bugs to ensure robust, maintainable solutions.
• Refactor and optimize legacy code for performance and readability.
• Contribute to code validation processes with focus on accuracy and best practices.
• Utilize advanced algorithms and competitive programming to deliver efficient solutions.
• Collaborate remotely with contributors to review changes and maintain docs.
• Deliver clear technical write-ups detailing design and implementation.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Rust

Typescript

Go

C#

Git

GitHub

Tools

Git

GitHub

Job description

Role Title: Software Engineer - Open Source Contributions

Role Type: Contractor

Location: Remote

our partner is engaging Software Engineer - Open Source Contributions experts to participate in an impactful customer project focused on high-quality, open source software development. 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.

Scope of Work

• Develop, implement, and refine new features within existing open source codebases using Python3, Java, Rust, C++, and Typescript.
• Analyze and resolve complex bugs, ensuring robust and maintainable solutions that align with project standards.
• Refactor and optimize legacy code to enhance performance, readability, and scalability.
• Contribute to code validation processes, focusing on accuracy, output consistency, and best coding practices.
• Utilize advanced algorithms and competitive programming techniques to conceptualize and deliver efficient solutions for intricate problems.
• Collaborate remotely with other contributors to review proposed changes and maintain project documentation.
• Deliver clear, concise technical write-ups to articulate solution design and implementation details.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in at least two of the following: Python, C++, Java, Rust, Typescript, Go, or C#.
• Extensive experience in open source contributions, particularly in feature development, bug fixing, and codebase refactoring.
• Demonstrated expertise in competitive programming and complex coding problem analysis.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret multifaceted problem constraints and identify multiple solution pathways.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for clear, precise technical documentation and peer collaboration.
• Meticulous attention to detail in code review, validation, and maintenance.
• Comfort working independently in a remote, collaborative environment with a commitment to producing high-quality, well-documented code under project deadlines.

Compensation Structure

Compensation is output-based; experts are paid per task that meets the project specifications. The time required to complete work may vary depending on the expert’s experience and workflow. Minimum submission requirements apply. Experts must submit a minimum of tasks per week.

Start Timeline & Availability

We typically fill roles within 48 hours and are looking for experts ready to jump in right away. If selected, we expect you to start your first tasks within 24-48 hours of completing onboarding.

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.