Special Projects Operator
About Idler
Idler builds reinforcement learning environments that encode real human expertise into frontier AI systems. We model the real workflows of serious professionals and hold ourselves to a high bar for quality.
We’ve secured a landmark multimillion-dollar contract with a leading foundation lab and are expanding into new domains as we scale.
We believe advanced AI should be trained on work that is rigorous, responsibly produced, and grounded in real expertise, and we are building toward that standard.
The Role
Leading AI labs partner with Idler on high-stakes training programs that directly shape frontier models. As a Special Projects Operator, you will own end-to-end execution of these programs, from scoping to delivery.
This is a hands-on, operations-first role. You will be accountable for delivery quality, timelines, and contributor performance, with direct line of sight to revenue.
What You’ll Do
Own execution of multi-million-dollar programs from scope through delivery.
Orchestrate hundreds to thousands of expert contributors under aggressive timelines.
Design and iterate on workflows, incentive systems, and quality controls to improve throughput, margins, and reliability.
Run QA reviews, surface delivery risks early, and remove bottlenecks before they escalate.
Track throughput, quality, cost, and timeliness, and translate performance into clear updates for leadership.
Partner with senior stakeholders to align on scope, iterate quickly, and expand engagements through strong execution.
Who Thrives Here
You’ll do well in this role if you:
Take high ownership and proactively fix what’s broken.
Turn ambiguity into structured plans and measurable outcomes.
Maintain a high bar for correctness and follow-through.
Perform well in fast-moving environments with shifting constraints.
Want responsibility tied directly to output and business impact.
Common backgrounds include consulting, finance, high-growth startups, and product or operations roles with end-to-end accountability. Experience running large distributed teams or marketplaces is a plus.
Growth Path
Special Projects Operators start by owning projects end-to-end. Top performers take on larger portfolios, manage other operators, and help launch new verticals.
This role scales quickly for people who consistently deliver.
Impact
Own programs that can generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue.
Shape how frontier AI systems are trained through the work you deliver.
Help expand Idler into new domains through execution.
Details
In-person in San Francisco
Competitive salary + meaningful equity
Free meals in office
Healthcare, 401(k), PTO
Relocation assistance
Small, ambitious team
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.