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

Work arrangement
No