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Open Source Applied Engineer Talent Network
Mercor • Remote
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate (by country)
$100–$150/hr
Listed
49d ago
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Set up your profile →About this Role
From the Mercor listing
Mercor is seeking an exceptional open source contributor with deep expertise in Python, Java, C, JavaScript, or TypeScript to collaborate on high-impact projects with global reach. This role is ideal for engineers with a strong command of core programming fundamentals and a proven track record of consistent, high-quality contributions to leading open-source repositories.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and oversee the creation of evaluations for a wide range of coding tasks across multiple languages, including JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, and C.
Develop test cases to accurately assess system performance in diverse engineering scenarios.
Analyze system behavior on real-world user use cases to uncover strengths and improvement areas.
Communicate evaluation results effectively to the research team to support continued development and optimization.
You're a great fit if you have:
A strong GitHub (or similar) presence with frequent, high-quality contributions to top open-source projects in the last 12 months.
Expertise in one or more of the following languages: Python, Java, C, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
Deep familiarity with widely-used libraries, frameworks, and tools in your language(s) of choice.
Excellent understanding of software architecture, performance tuning, and scalable code patterns.
Strong collaboration skills and experience working within distributed, asynchronous teams.
Confidence in independently identifying areas for contribution and executing improvements with minimal oversight.
Comfortable using Git, CI/CD systems, and participating in open-source governance workflows.
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
Few remote roles pay $125/hr for STEM judgment on your own schedule. As a Open Source Applied Engineer Talent Network, this is that role: real income, flexible hours, and direct exposure to how AI labs are building the next generation of models.
Skills & Categories
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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 AI training work the same as traditional consulting?
No. Instead of client deliverables, you're given complex scenarios to evaluate: grading the AI's logic, correcting its hallucinations, and supplying expert-level reasoning it doesn't have on its own. The job is closer to teaching than consulting.
Why do these AI training roles pay so much?
Because general knowledge isn't what's being tested. The model already knows the basics; what it needs is expertise on edge cases, the rare, difficult, highly technical judgment calls only a senior professional in the field would make correctly.
What does the day-to-day workload look like for elite-expert AI training roles?
Slow and deep, not fast and repetitive. A single task can take 45-60 minutes of researching citations or verifying complex calculations. Quality is what's being measured here, not throughput.
What does STEM work look like for a Open Source Applied Engineer Talent Network?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Open Source Applied Engineer Talent Network, 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.