Cybersecurity SWE — AI Safety
Mercor • Remote
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate (by country)
$60–$90/hr
Listed
45d ago
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What We Know About This Role
- Weekly hours
- 15–25 hrs/week
About this Role
From the Mercor listing
About the role
We're hiring cybersecurity‑focused software engineers to help make advanced AI models safer. You'll apply your security and engineering expertise to evaluate and strengthen how these models handle specialized cybersecurity topics. No prior AI/ML experience is required — we'll train you on the workflow.
What you'll do
Write expert‑level prompts across specialized cybersecurity topics.
Evaluate and annotate model responses for technical accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content.
Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.
What we're looking for
One of the following:
A BS or MS in Computer Science or a closely related field, or
5+ years of professional software engineering experience at a reputable tech company or startup.
Strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts and modern software systems.
Strong technical reasoning and writing in English.
Sound judgment around security and the responsible handling of dual‑use information.
Nice to have
Background in offensive security, penetration testing, vulnerability research, or related areas.
Experience reviewing, grading, or red‑teaming technical content.
Project Timeline
Start date: Immediate
Commitment: Part‑time (15–25 hours/week, with flexibility up to 40 hours/week)
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 Software Engineering
Eligible Languages
Fluent proficiency in English
Key Responsibilities
- Write expert‑level prompts across specialized cybersecurity topics.
- Evaluate and annotate model responses for technical accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content.
- Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.
Why This Role
Work from anywhere, at any time. This fully remote Cybersecurity SWE — AI Safety position ($75/hr) breaks down geographic barriers, allowing you to earn US-competitive rates regardless of your local market. It is a perfect stepping stone for building a career in the Software Engineering ecosystem.
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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.
What does task-based AI training work actually look like?
Practical, hands-on data work: recording short videos, categorizing images, rating text responses, or analyzing data. Tasks are designed to be short and distinct, typically 5 to 60 minutes each.
What does asynchronous AI training work mean in practice?
No set hours, no check-ins, no meetings. You log in when you want, pick up an available task, complete it, and submit; nobody is waiting on you in real time. That's different from remote employment, where you're expected online during business hours. The tradeoff: you're competing with others for available tasks, so an empty queue means there's simply nothing to do until more work is released.
What does Software Engineering work look like for a Cybersecurity SWE — AI Safety?
Tasks here are scoped to Software Engineering, not generic labeling. As a Cybersecurity SWE — AI Safety, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to Software Engineering) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on Software Engineering background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
How many hours per week does this role require?
Based on the listing, this role is scoped at 15–25 hours per week. Treat this as a real commitment expectation, not a loose estimate.
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.