Principal Python Engineer - ML Infrastructure

Principal Python Engineer — ML Infrastructure (AI Training)About The RoleWhat if your Python expertise could directly shape the infrastructure powering some of the world's most advanced AI systems? We're looking for a Principal Python Engineer to build and optimize the data pipelines, annotation tooling, and evaluation systems that leading AI labs depend on — working on real production code with meaningful, measurable impact.This is a fully remote, flexible contract role for a senior engineer who thrives at the intersection of systems programming, distributed computing, and AI infrastructure.Organization: AlignerrType: Hourly ContractLocation: RemoteCommitment: 20–40 hours/weekWhat You'll DoDesign, build, and optimize high-performance Python systems supporting large-scale AI data pipelines and model evaluation workflowsDevelop full-stack backend tooling and services for data annotation, validation, and quality control at scaleDiagnose and resolve bottlenecks across compute-heavy, distributed systems using advanced async patterns and profiling techniquesImprove reliability, safety, and performance across existing production Python codebasesCollaborate closely with data, research, and engineering teams to accelerate model training and evaluation cyclesDrive architectural decisions through synchronous design reviews and clear technical communicationWho You Are5+ years writing production Python for large-scale infrastructure or platform engineeringDeep expertise in distributed computing, concurrency, and advanced asynchronous programming patternsFluent in Python internals — including GIL limitations, memory profiling, and performance optimization for compute-heavy workloadsExperienced full-stack developer with a strong systems programming backgroundClear, confident communicator capable of driving technical strategy and architectural decisionsNative or fluent English speakerAvailable to commit 20–40 hours per weekNice to HavePrior experience with data annotation, data quality, or evaluation systemsFamiliarity with AI/ML workflows, model training, or benchmarking pipelinesBackground in distributed systems architecture or developer toolingExposure to working directly with AI research teams or labsWhy Join UsWork on real, high-impact production systems used by leading AI research labsFully remote and flexible — work when and where it suits youFreelance autonomy with the depth and structure of meaningful, long-term technical workCollaborate with top engineers and researchers at the frontier of AI developmentPotential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch