Backend developer Jobs in Hampton, VA

Expert Contributor - Software Engineer

Task-Based Independent Contractor Opportunity

Overview

We're looking for engineers who can operate at an expert level across real-world, end-to-end tasks in terminal environments. Think compiling code, setting up servers, building data pipelines, and handling complex system administration autonomously. You'll design intricate, verifiable terminal tasks spanning Python scripting, automation, data pipelines, software engineering, system administration, and infrastructure. Each task needs a clear, reproducible solution with automated verification criteria. This is a great fit for someone who thrives on deep technical problem-solving and wants flexible, task-based project opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design complex, verifiable terminal tasks that span Python scripting, automation, data pipelines, and infrastructure setup.
• Compile code, configure servers, and handle system administration tasks autonomously in terminal environments.
• Develop clear, reproducible solutions with automated verification criteria for each task.
• Evaluate and review AI-generated code outputs, identifying suboptimal solutions and suggesting improvements.
• Provide multi-turn feedback across conversation-based evaluation sessions.
• Collaborate asynchronously with the project team to refine task quality and difficulty calibration.

Required Qualifications

• Deep fluency in Python and Linux/Unix environments, shell scripting, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and package/environment management.
• Strong code review instincts with the ability to identify suboptimal solutions, suggest improvements, and evaluate competing approaches across multiple turns of a conversation.
• Proficiency in at least one major programming language (e.g., Python, C++, Java, Go, JavaScript).
• 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering, DevOps, or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in one or more of: DevOps, SRE, Platform Engineering, Backend/Systems Engineering, or Security/Penetration Testing.
• Familiarity with agent evaluation frameworks, CI/CD integration, or long-horizon planning in automated pipelines.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects or technical documentation.
• Comfort with asynchronous, self-directed project execution.