AI Software Engineer (Remote | $120 –$150/hr)

Software Developer (Active Open Source GitHub Contributor)

Hourly Contract | Remote US | $120 –$150 per hour

1. Role Overview

Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research laboratory to engage experienced software engineers in advancing research infrastructure for next-generation machine learning systems.

This engagement focuses on diagnosing and resolving real-world issues from major open-source repositories, involving hands-on coding, debugging, and validation. As a contributor, you’ll work directly with production-level open-source codebases to enhance AI system reliability and efficiency.

This is a remote, flexible, and high-impact opportunity for engineers passionate about open-source collaboration, deep technical problem-solving, and advancing AI through practical software development.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Analyze, debug, and resolve software issues from large open-source repositories.
• Write, test, and validate code solutions addressing bugs, architectural challenges, or system inefficiencies.
• Implement and optimize APIs, database schemas, and backend components supporting AI workflows.
• Configure local and containerized development environments to reproduce and investigate complex software behaviors.
• Collaborate asynchronously with AI research teams to provide technical insights and validated code improvements.

3. Ideal Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional software engineering experience in a technically demanding environment.
• Verified contribution history to one or more major open-source repositories (required). We will validate contributions to:
• astropy/astropy
• django/django
• matplotlib/matplotlib
• pytest-dev/pytest
• scikit-learn/scikit-learn
• sphinx-doc/sphinx
• sympy/sympy
• Advanced proficiency in Python, API development, and structured testing frameworks.
• Strong background in code debugging, version control (Git/GitHub), and CI/CD environments.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and persistence in investigating complex, multi-layered systems.
• Residency in one of the following regions: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

4. More About the Opportunity

• Work Type: Fully remote and asynchronous — manage your own schedule and workflow.
• Workload: Typically 20–30 hours per week, with the flexibility to scale up to 40 hours.
• Duration: Open-ended engagement with the potential for long-term collaboration.
• Start Date: Mid to late October; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

5. Compensation & Contract Terms

• Hourly Rate: $120–$150 USD/hour (based on experience and contribution quality).
• Classification: Independent Contractor.
• Payments: Weekly via Stripe Connect for services rendered.
• Structure: Contractors maintain full autonomy over work hours, tools, and development methods.

6. Application Process

1. Submit your resume and GitHub profile link.
2. Include direct links to recent open-source contributions (commits, PRs, or issues).
3. Applications are reviewed continuously; shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps.
4. Typical response time: within one week of submission.

PS: Mercor reviews applications daily. Please complete your interview and onboarding steps to be considered for this opportunity.