This is a remote, project-based role for software engineers with 1–3 years of professional experience. You will complete tasks spanning software development, debugging, code review, and technical implementation across a variety of stacks and applications. Work is over the next 2–3 weeks, asynchronous, and assigned on a project-by-project basis, with an expected commitment of 10–20 hours per week for the projects you accept. This position offers exceptional pay, exposure to real-world engineering problems, and a strong addition to your professional portfolio.

Why Apply

• Flexible Time Commitment – Work on your schedule while tackling meaningful engineering challenges
• Startup Exposure – Work directly with an early-stage Y Combinator-backed company, gaining hands-on experience that sets you apart
• Portfolio Building – Gain experience solving complex, real-world software engineering problems across diverse codebases
• Professional Growth – Sharpen your skills on varied, challenging development tasks spanning multiple domains and technologies

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and ship clean, well-tested code across a variety of projects and technology stacks
• Debug, refactor, and optimize existing codebases for performance, maintainability, and scalability
• Participate in code reviews, providing and incorporating constructive technical feedback
• Collaborate asynchronously on technical specifications, architecture decisions, and implementation plans
• Document code, APIs, and technical approaches clearly and reproducibly

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years of professional software engineering experience in a full-time or equivalent role
• Strong proficiency in at least one modern programming language and its associated ecosystem
• Demonstrated ability to independently scope, implement, and deliver software features or fixes
• Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals including data structures, algorithms, and system design
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working across multiple layers of the stack — frontend, backend, APIs, or infrastructure
• Familiarity with version control workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and collaborative development practices (e.g., Git, GitHub Actions, or similar)
• Exposure to cloud platforms and deployment environments (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure, or similar)
• Background in contributing to open source projects or building personal software projects independently

Company Description

AfterQuery is a research lab investigating the boundaries of artificial intelligence through novel datasets and experimentation.

We're backed by top investors, including Y Combinator and Box Group, and support all leading AI labs.

Pay: $60.00 - $80.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote