Freelance Software Developer

ABOUT TOPDETA

Topdeta is building the data infrastructure that powers the next generation of frontier AI. We work with leading AI labs to create high-quality ML training data and solve challenging engineering problems. Our engineers work on real, large-scale open-source projects where their contributions have meaningful technical impact. We value strong engineering, independent problem-solving, clean code, and continuous learning. At Topdeta, talented engineers get the opportunity to work on challenging projects, collaborate with a growing global talent network, and contribute to the future of AI.

THE ROLE

We're hiring freelance software developers who are masters in at least one of the following languages:

TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust, Java, or C++.

You will design and build challenging engineering tasks inside real open-source codebases. Each assignment involves deep-reading an unfamiliar production repository, scoping a substantial multi-file feature, implementing it according to the repository's standards, and writing tests to verify the implementation.

Full project context, tooling, and detailed guides will be shared after onboarding.

REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of professional software development experience
• Strong proficiency in at least one of: TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust, Java, or C++
• Proven experience working inside large production codebases in your primary language
• Experience working in large production codebases is strictly required
• Strong knowledge of automated testing in your preferred language
• Public GitHub profile demonstrating real coding activity
• Strong written English
• Clear technical writing skills — technical communication is a significant part of this role
• Basic familiarity with Docker

QUALIFICATIONS

• Comfortable navigating large, unfamiliar codebases and following existing conventions
• Solid automated-testing experience using tools such as Vitest, Jest, Pytest, Go Test, or equivalent
• Strong Git skills, including patches, diffs, branching, and clean commits
• Able to scope, manage, and complete multi-day engineering assignments independently
• Strong attention to code quality, maintainability, and testing

IMMEDIATE-HIRE SIGNALS (GOOD TO HAVE)

• Merged pull requests into open-source projects you don't own
• Open-source maintainer or contributor experience
• Experience leading or mentoring small engineering teams

We are looking for core coders who can not only deliver high-quality engineering work independently but can also

build and manage their own teams as we scale.

TRIAL PERIOD & ONBOARDING

The initial period will be treated as a trial period.

Once you complete and have one task approved, we will officially onboard you as a

contractor/freelancer with Topdeta.

The entire initial trial period — from the beginning of the week until you receive your first approved task — will be considered the trial period. The trial period may therefore last for the whole week or until the first task is successfully approved, whichever occurs first.

After your first approved task, you will proceed with official contractor/freelancer onboarding and continue receiving assignments based on project requirements and performance.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Understand and navigate unfamiliar, large-scale open-source repositories
• Analyze existing architecture, code, tests, and conventions
• Scope and implement substantial multi-file engineering tasks
• Write comprehensive automated tests
• Produce clean, maintainable, production-quality code
• Document your technical decisions clearly
• Work independently and deliver within agreed timelines
• Potentially contribute to building and managing engineering teams as Topdeta scales