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Job description
About the Role
What if your C++ skills could directly influence the infrastructure powering the world's most advanced AI systems? We're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to design and build the high-performance pipelines, tooling, and evaluation systems that leading AI labs depend on to train and ship next-generation models.
This is a fully remote contract role working on real production systems at the frontier of AI development. If you thrive on complex technical problems, care deeply about performance and reliability, and want your work to matter - this is the role for you.
- Organization
: Alignerr - Type
: Hourly Contract - Location
: Remote - Commitment
: 20-40 hours/week
- Design, build, and optimize high-performance
C++
systems supporting large-scale AI data pipelines and evaluation workflows - Develop full-stack tooling and backend services for data annotation, validation, and quality control at scale
- Improve reliability, performance, and memory safety across production C++ codebases
- Collaborate closely with data, research, and engineering teams to support model training and evaluation infrastructure
- Identify bottlenecks and edge cases in system and data behavior - then implement scalable, lasting fixes
- Participate in synchronous design reviews to iterate on architecture and implementation decisions with sharp, experienced teammates
- Native or fluent English speaker with clear written and verbal communication skills
- Full-stack developer with a strong systems programming background
- 5+ years of professional experience writing production C++ for large-scale systems
- Deep knowledge of build system architecture and package management strategies
- Experienced designing reliable systems with rigorous error handling and memory sanitizers
- Comfortable committing 20-40 hours per week to a focused, high-output contract engagement
- Prior experience with data annotation, data quality pipelines, or AI evaluation systems
- Familiarity with AI/ML workflows, model training, or benchmarking infrastructure
- Experience with distributed systems or developer tooling
- Work directly with leading AI labs on production systems that power frontier model development
- Fully remote and flexible - work from wherever you do your best thinking
- Freelance autonomy with the structure and direction of high-impact, task-based engineering work
- Collaborate with top-tier engineers and researchers on problems that genuinely matter
- Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch
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Frequently asked questions
Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Principal Systems Engineer?
A: To succeed as a Principal Systems Engineer, key technical skills include expertise in systems engineering methodologies, architecture, and design, as well as proficiency in tools such as system modeling languages (SysML) and simulation software. Additionally, strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, as Principal Systems Engineers often lead cross-functional teams and must effectively collaborate with stakeholders to drive project success. By combining technical expertise with strong interpersonal and leadership abilities, Principal Systems Engineers can drive innovation, improve project outcomes, and advance their careers through increased responsibility and influence.
Q: What is the career path for a Principal Systems Engineer?
A: A Principal Systems Engineer typically follows a career progression from entry-level roles such as Systems Engineer or Integration Engineer, to mid-level positions like Senior Systems Engineer or Technical Lead, and eventually to senior roles like Principal Systems Engineer or Engineering Manager. Key opportunities for skill development and professional growth in this role include mastering system design, architecture, and integration, as well as developing leadership and communication skills to effectively manage cross-functional teams. Long-term career prospects for a Principal Systems Engineer may include transitioning into executive roles such as VP of Engineering or CTO, or pursuing specialized roles like Technical Fellow or Chief Architect.
