About the Opportunity micro1 is seeking experienced Competitive Coders to contribute to a customer project focused on training next-generation AI systems. Your competitive programming expertise will help create rigorous Reinforcement Learning (RL) environments that evaluate how AI models solve complex programming problems.
You will design unique competitive programming challenges, develop reference solutions, build robust test suites, and create reliable checkers capable of validating multiple valid outputs. Prior AI experience is not required —your competitive programming and C++ expertise are the primary focus.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement robust checkers for competitive programming problems with multiple valid outputs.
- Create unique custom programming problems that are not already available on existing online judges.
- Develop accurate reference solutions and comprehensive test suites covering edge cases and diverse solution paths.
- Evaluate and validate participant submissions against complex problem statements and constraints.
- Collaborate with customer teams to clarify ambiguous requirements and refine problem specifications.
- Develop clean, efficient, and maintainable C++ code for output validation and checker logic.
- Analyze complex constraints, multiple solution approaches, and potential failure cases.
- Document checker logic, assumptions, edge cases, and validation requirements clearly.
- Provide feedback to problem setters and reviewers on test cases, problem quality, and checker improvements.
- Apply competitive programming standards and best practices to problem design and validation.
Required Qualifications
- Strong expertise in competitive programming and coding problem analysis.
- Advanced proficiency in C++ .
- Ability to analyze complex programming constraints and evaluate multiple valid solution approaches.
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
- Exceptional attention to detail in code validation, output consistency, and edge-case handling.
- Ability to work independently in a remote and collaborative environment.
- Commitment to producing high-quality, maintainable, and well-documented code under deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as a competitive programming problem setter, tester, or checker .
- Experience contributing problems or validation systems to major competitive programming platforms.
- Familiarity with designing problems involving multiple valid outputs.
- Experience developing robust test suites and custom validation logic.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Competitive Programming
- C++
- Algorithmic Problem Solving
- Problem Setting
- Checker Development
- Output Validation
- Test Case Design
- Edge-Case Analysis
- Reference Solutions
- Reinforcement Learning Environments
- Code Quality & Documentation
Compensation & Engagement
- Compensation: $45–$65/hour.
- Compensation is output-based , with payment provided for tasks that meet project specifications.
- Work requirements may vary depending on task complexity, experience, and workflow.
- Minimum submission requirements apply.
- Experts are expected to complete a minimum number of tasks per week.
- Expected commitment: 15+ hours per week .
- Fully remote engagement.
Application Process
1. Submit your application and updated resume highlighting competitive programming and C++ experience.
2. Complete the initial screening process.
3. Participate in a technical or AI-based interview focused on your programming and problem-solving background.
4. Complete a technical assessment or sample task if required.
5. Selected candidates proceed to onboarding and project assignment.