Special Projects Operator
full-time•San Francisco
Summary
About this role
About Idler
Idler builds reinforcement learning environments that teach AI models to code like 0.01% engineers. Our training environments are based on real-world coding scenarios that frontier models will actually encounter.
We've closed a multimillion-dollar contract with a leading foundation lab (the largest they've issued to date). Demand is outpacing our capacity to deliver, so we're scaling the team fast.
Core Responsibilities
Being an Operator means that you are a high-agency generalist.You will:
Drive the tactical execution of multi-million-dollar projects.
Recruit, manage, and orchestrate a network of hundreds of expert contributors.
Ensure flawless operational execution under demanding timelines.
This is a role for candidates excited by process optimization, rapid iteration, and high-intensity problem solving. You will thrive here if you are creative, scrappy, and adaptable.
Operational Excellence
Design and manage end-to-end data pipelines, from customer specifications to final delivery.
Diagnose bottlenecks, restructure workflows, and implement solutions that improve quality, throughput, and cost-efficiency.
Examples include: creating incentive systems, re-sequencing workflows, refining instructions, and scaling review processes.
Large-Scale Coordination
Manage hundreds of distributed contributors in Slack-based workspaces.
Source, vet, train, and performance-manage domain experts.
Maintain high execution standards across all stages of production.
What We’re Looking For
Experience: Background in consulting, finance, startups, or other operationally intense environments.
Skills: Strong analytical and communication abilities; proven track record of managing complex projects.
Mindset: Excited by “gritty” process optimization and large-scale execution.
Key Facts
Operators generate $10M+ in revenue annually.
Requests are high-pressure and time-sensitive (e.g., onboarding 1,000 contributors in 3 days, delivering 10+ hours of quality data per contributor within 48 hours).
Benefits
Healthcare coverage, 401(k), 15 days PTO, and a generous holiday schedule.
Meals, coffee, and snacks (that you will actually enjoy) covered during working days.
Latest MacBook Pro and equipment.
Relocation assistance available.
Team offsites and events (we love hanging out).
This is an in-person role in San Francisco. We're a tight-knit founding team and we play to win. Join us if you like to win too.
What you'll do
- The Special Projects Operator will drive the tactical execution of multi-million-dollar projects and manage a network of expert contributors. They will ensure operational excellence and coordinate large-scale efforts under demanding timelines.
About Idler
Idler builds reinforcement learning environments that teach AI models to code like 0.01% engineers. Our training environments are based on real-world coding scenarios that frontier models will actually encounter. We've closed a multimillion-dollar contract with a leading foundation lab (the largest they've issued to date), and demand is outpacing our capacity to deliver. We're scaling fast to build the training data layer for frontier AI. Every breakthrough model will need environments like ours to learn real-world skills at scale. We're a tight-knit founding team in San Francisco. We move quickly, think deeply about what makes good training data, and play to win. Join us if you want to win too.
Ready to join Idler?
Take the next step in your career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Special Projects Operator do at Idler?
As a Special Projects Operator at Idler, you will: the Special Projects Operator will drive the tactical execution of multi-million-dollar projects and manage a network of expert contributors. They will ensure operational excellence and coordinate large-scale efforts under demanding timelines..
Is the Special Projects Operator position at Idler remote?
The Special Projects Operator position at Idler is based in San Francisco, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Special Projects Operator position at Idler?
You can apply for the Special Projects Operator position at Idlerdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.