Opportunity Overview
Handshake is seeking experienced Software Engineers to support AI research through flexible, hourly contract work. This is not a traditional full-time SWE role. You’ll use your real-world software development experience to evaluate AI-generated code and technical content, provide structured feedback, and help improve how AI understands programming tasks, system design, and engineering best practices.
This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity that can be done alongside your primary employment.
Who This Is For
This opportunity is designed for professionals currently working (or recently working) in roles such as:
Software Engineer or Senior Software Engineer
Backend, Frontend, or Full-Stack Engineer
Systems Engineer or Application Developer
This is not a traditional full-time role. You’ll apply once and, if qualified, be considered for part-time, project-based work as new projects become available.
What You’ll Do
This project involves using your software engineering experience to design job-related coding questions and review AI-generated responses for correctness, efficiency, clarity, and alignment with real-world engineering practices.
Applicants will be required to pass a coding assessment as part of the selection process.
Qualifications
We’re looking for professionals with:
4+ years of professional software engineering experience (internships excluded)
Strong hands-on coding experience in at least one major programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, Go, etc.)
Experience writing, reviewing, and debugging production-level code
Comfortable working independently and following detailed technical guidelines
Strong written communication skills and attention to detail
Application Process
Create a Handshake account
Upload your resume and verify your identity
Get matched and onboarded into relevant projects
Start working and earning
Work Model and Project Details
Status: Independent contractor (not a full-time employee role)
Location: Fully remote
Schedule: Flexible and asynchronous, with no minimum hour requirement. Many contributors work approximately 5–20 hours per week when assigned to an active project
Duration: The Handshake AI program runs year-round, with projects opening periodically across different areas of expertise. Placement depends on current project needs, with opportunities to be considered for future projects as they become available
Work authorization information
F-1 students who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects on Handshake AI. Work with your Designated School Official to determine your eligibility. If your school requires a CPT course, Handshake AI may not meet your school’s requirements. STEM OPT is not
Top Skills
What We Do
Handshake is the #1 place to launch a career with no connections, experience, or luck required. The platform connects up-and-coming talent with 650,000+ employers - from Fortune 500 companies like Google, Nike, and Target to thousands of public school districts, healthcare systems, and nonprofits. Earlier this year, we announced our $200M Series F funding round. This Series F fundraise and new valuation of $3.5B will fuel Handshake’s next phase of growth and propel our mission to help more people start, restart, and jumpstart their careers.
Why Work With Us
How someone builds their career is foundational. We believe in working with the higher education community to help students build meaningful careers. We are at the nexus of universities, students and employers— and we’re able to connect the very best pieces of each side. We’re proud to create a community where students can be more successful.
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