About this role
Role Overview
Design and build high-performance backend APIs in Rust while directly testing and informing research on AI-powered developer tools. This remote, contract role combines backend engineering, API design, and hands-on evaluation of experimental coding models to improve developer workflows and model behavior.
About the teammicro1 is an AI data lab that converts expert domain knowledge into training data and evaluations for frontier models. The team partners with expert contributors across finance, healthcare, STEM engineering, and more to produce high-quality training signals and developer tooling evaluations.
Key Responsibilities- Design, implement, and optimize REST and GraphQL endpoints for scalable backend services.
- Drive backend data validation, robust error handling, and API security best practices.
- Plan and execute database migrations, performance tuning, and schema changes as required.
- Actively test new AI models in Cursor, producing actionable incident reports, bug traces, and screenshots.
- Participate in 4-day intensive testing bursts that explore how AI models impact real coding workflows.
- Engage with the research team via a dedicated Slack channel to discuss findings and recommend improvements.
- Complete detailed post-burst surveys that capture insights on model performance and developer experience.
- 5+ years of professional experience as a backend developer, with strong expertise in Rust.
- Proven experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs and GraphQL endpoints.
- Advanced knowledge of backend data validation, error handling, and API security practices.
- Hands-on experience with database migrations, performance tuning, and schema design.
- Extensive use of AI coding tools, familiarity with Cursor is highly desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear incident and bug reporting.
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, confidential, and collaborative remote environments.
- Preferred: visible open source contributions and experience designing or evaluating experimental developer tooling and workflows.
- Location: Remote.
- Engagement: Contract position, independent contractor relationship.
- Testing schedule includes participation in focused 4-day bursts; active collaboration via Slack and survey deliverables required.
Pay range: $30 to $90 per hour.
Eligibility- Candidates must be able to engage as independent contractors and work remotely.
- No specific visa or sponsorship details were provided; applicants should ensure they are authorized to work under a contract arrangement.