COBOL Code Reading / Writing Expert
Mercor • Remote
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate (by country)
$80–$100/hr
Listed
84d ago
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About this Role
From the Mercor listing
We are looking for experienced COBOL developers who can read, understand, debug, and write production-quality COBOL code. You will work on tasks that help train and evaluate AI models on legacy software engineering workflows, especially mainframe-style codebases.
- Read and interpret COBOL programs, copybooks, JCL, and related mainframe code.
- Write clean, correct COBOL code based on technical requirements.
- Debug COBOL logic and identify issues in existing programs.
- Explain code behavior, business logic, and data flow clearly.
- Review AI-generated COBOL solutions for correctness, completeness, and style.
- Create or evaluate test cases for COBOL programs.
- Provide high-quality feedback to improve AI model performance on legacy code tasks.
- Strong hands-on experience with COBOL development.
- Ability to read and write COBOL code independently.
- Familiarity with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS is preferred.
- Experience with JCL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, or copybooks is a plus.
- Strong debugging and code review skills.
- Clear written communication in English.
- Prior experience in banking, insurance, government, or enterprise legacy systems is a plus.
- Has worked on real-world COBOL systems, not just academic examples.
- Can explain legacy code clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Is comfortable evaluating code quality and reasoning through edge cases.
- Has experience maintaining or modernising large legacy codebases.
- Contribute to cutting-edge AI systems focused on software engineering.
- Help models better understand and support legacy enterprise code.
- Work on intellectually engaging code evaluation and generation tasks.
- Flexible opportunity for experienced COBOL engineers.
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
Eligible Languages
Fluent proficiency in English
Why This Role
Shape the "brain" of future AI. By working as a COBOL Code Reading / Writing Expert, you ensure that future models understand the nuance of your field. At $90/hr, it's a lucrative way to preserve the integrity of your profession in the digital age.
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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 COBOL Code Reading / Writing Expert?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a COBOL Code Reading / Writing Expert, 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.
Do I need to be fluent in English?
Yes. This role specifically requires English proficiency. You will likely be evaluated on written fluency during the assessment, not just conversational level. If English is not your first language or you are not professionally fluent, this is not the right role. Filter for your native language to find better-matched listings.
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.