Backend Engineer (Coding Agent Experience)
Mercor • Remote
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate
$85/hr
Listed
42d ago
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About this Role
From the Mercor listing
About the Role
- Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research lab to support a Frontier Code Agents project.
- Contributors help evaluate and improve frontier AI coding models through structured technical assessments.
- The work focuses on realistic software engineering workflows and model evaluation rather than traditional software development.
- Spots are limited and filling quickly on a first come, first serve basis.
What You'll Do
- Use frontier AI coding agents to complete and evaluate complex engineering tasks.
- Review model-generated code for correctness, quality, maintainability, and performance.
- Identify bugs, edge cases, and failure modes in model outputs.
- Compare outputs from multiple frontier models and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
- Apply professional engineering judgment to realistic backend engineering scenarios.
Time Commitment
- Sprint based project that runs in 12-24 hour stretches based on client requirement.
Compensation
- $400 per accepted task.
- Typical tasks take approximately 2–3 hours after ramp-up.
- Compensation is tied to accepted work.
Who Should Apply
- 2+ years of professional backend engineering experience.
- Experience building APIs, distributed systems, microservices, backend platforms, or databases.
- Regular use of AI coding agents such as Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, Windsurf, Gemini CLI, or similar tools.
- Ability to evaluate model-generated code and identify bugs, edge cases, and architectural tradeoffs.
- Experience working on large-scale production systems is preferred.
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in STEM
Why This Role
Geography stops mattering here. This remote Backend Engineer (Coding Agent Experience) opportunity pays $85/hr regardless of where you're based, making it a solid entry point into STEM work without needing to relocate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercor for freelancers or full-time contractors?
Mercor places you with one client for a defined engagement, like 'Python Tutor for 3 months', rather than having you grab small tasks from a shared queue. Most roles function as steady contract work, not one-off gigs.
Does Mercor's application require an on-camera interview?
Yes, every applicant records a video interview with an AI interviewer that asks questions about your resume. Clients review that recording to judge communication skills before matching, so there's no way to apply without going on camera.
Does it cost money to apply to Mercor?
No, applying and joining Mercor is free. Mercor's revenue comes from a fee it charges the client on top of your hourly rate, not from applicants. Treat any request for payment to join as a red flag.
Is academic-niche AI training just data labeling?
No, it's closer to academic research. Expect to write or verify complex proofs, solve advanced equations, or check the logic behind a model's step-by-step reasoning. The goal is teaching AI systems to reason deeply within your specific field.
Do I need a PhD for academic-niche AI training roles?
For the top pay tiers, a PhD or current enrollment is usually expected. But the domain assessment is what actually decides it: if you can solve the problems, the degree becomes secondary.
Is academic-niche AI training a continuous job?
Usually not. Work runs in campaigns, like training a model specifically on quantum mechanics, that might last a few weeks. Treat it as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
What does STEM work look like for a Backend Engineer (Coding Agent Experience)?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Backend Engineer (Coding Agent Experience), expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to STEM) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on STEM background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Mercor's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.
How soon will I start working after applying to Mercor?
Not immediately. Mercor is a talent marketplace, not a task queue, so applying puts you in a pool of candidates. You start working only once a specific client, like a major AI lab, selects your profile, and that matching process can take weeks.