Backend Security Engineer

Weekday AI

3d • $30 - $100 • Remote

About The Position

This contractor role involves contributing to the development and evaluation of next-generation AI systems by creating realistic, complex coding tasks that assess AI systems’ ability to solve real-world software engineering challenges. The engineer will apply backend engineering and application security expertise to develop tasks involving feature implementation, bug fixes, secure coding, vulnerability remediation, and code quality improvements, along with deterministic verification mechanisms that accept valid solutions and reject incorrect or incomplete ones. Prior AI experience is not required; strong backend engineering capabilities, security expertise, and sound technical judgment are key qualifications.

The role is remote, pays $30–$100 per hour, and is approximately 15 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, with the engineer choosing hours and days, including weekends if desired. Compensation is output-based, with payment for each task that meets project specifications and quality standards. Minimum submission requirements apply, including a specified minimum number of tasks each week. Candidates should be ready to begin immediately; after selection and onboarding, the first tasks are expected within 24–48 hours.

Requirements

• Strong backend development experience using Java, Node.js, Go, Rust, TypeScript, Python, C++, or similar programming languages.
• Proven experience building scalable backend services, APIs, and production-grade applications.
• Strong debugging, automated testing, performance optimization, and code review skills.
• Solid understanding of software architecture, algorithms, data structures, and fundamental computer science concepts.
• Ability to identify software defects, diagnose system bottlenecks, and implement reliable solutions.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound engineering judgment when solving complex technical problems.
• Candidates must complete interviews and assessments independently, without outside assistance; individual expertise, technical judgment, and problem-solving ability are also essential for project work.
• Selected engineers must submit a specified minimum number of tasks each week.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience in cybersecurity, application security (AppSec), or Security Operations (SecOps).
• Hands-on experience with penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and security-focused code reviews.
• Knowledge of secure coding practices, OWASP Top 10, CWE classifications, and common software vulnerabilities.
• Experience identifying and remediating security flaws in backend services, APIs, and large-scale applications.
• Familiarity with security testing, automated validation, and vulnerability remediation workflows.
• Experience refactoring complex codebases and improving application reliability, scalability, and security.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and debug backend services, APIs, and application components.
• Create challenging coding tasks involving secure software development, vulnerability fixes, authentication, authorization, and backend security controls.
• Implement deterministic verifiers and automated tests to validate code behavior, functional correctness, and adherence to task requirements.
• Identify and address security vulnerabilities using established practices, including OWASP guidelines and CWE classifications.
• Review software implementations for correctness, security risks, performance, maintainability, and adherence to engineering standards.
• Investigate software defects, performance bottlenecks, and complex system failures in large-scale applications.
• Improve existing codebases through refactoring, architectural enhancements, and implementation of complex backend features.
• Develop high-quality engineering tasks to help evaluate and improve AI systems’ software development, debugging, and security reasoning capabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed