SWE Fellow - Human Frontier Collective (US)

ABOUT THE ROLE Scale AI invites you to join our Human Frontier Collective (HFC) Fellowship as a Software Engineering Fellow. In this role you will collaborate with leading academic and industry researchers to design, evaluate, and interpret advanced generative AI systems. Your work will directly influence the development of high‑impact AI products that power decision‑making for governments, enterprises, and research institutions. The fellowship is a fully remote, 1099 independent contractor engagement lasting approximately six months, with the possibility of extension based on project outcomes and mutual fit. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Partner with Scale’s research team and external AI labs to craft domain‑specific datasets and evaluation protocols that rigorously test generative models. - Translate complex research questions into scalable software solutions, ensuring code quality, reproducibility, and performance across diverse platforms. - Co‑author technical reports and research papers, contributing to Scale’s publication portfolio and enhancing your academic visibility. - Engage in interdisciplinary discussions with experts in computer science, statistics, and domain science to refine model objectives and interpretability metrics. - Mentor junior contributors and share best practices for reproducible research and open‑source collaboration. WHAT YOU'LL NEED - Five or more years of professional software engineering experience, or equivalent depth in academic research (PhD, post‑doc, or faculty). - Proficiency in at least one of Python, Java, Rust, Swift, JavaScript, or C++, with a strong track record of building production‑grade code. - Demonstrated analytical ability to design experiments, analyze results, and iterate on model improvements. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating technical findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences. - A collaborative mindset, comfortable working asynchronously with a global team and contributing to open‑source or shared codebases. - Authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this role. WHY REMOTE Scale AI operates a distributed, asynchronous culture that empowers fellows to manage their own schedules while delivering high‑quality outcomes. The fellowship offers 10–40 hours per week, allowing you to balance research, teaching, or other professional commitments. Remote work eliminates commute time, increases flexibility, and supports a healthy work‑life balance. Fellows enjoy full access to Scale’s virtual collaboration tools, internal knowledge bases, and a global network of AI researchers. BENEFITS - Competitive contractor compensation aligned with project scope and expertise. - Health, dental, and vision coverage options available to eligible contractors. - Paid time off and personal days to support rest and recharge. - Remote work stipend to offset home‑office equipment and utilities. - Annual learning budget for courses, conferences, and certifications. - Access to Scale’s internal research library, data science tools, and mentorship programs.