Software Developer — O*NET Occupation Study | $64/hr Remote
Overview
Mercor is updating the U.S. government's O*NET occupational framework and needs direct input from seasoned software developers. As a paid participant, you'll complete a brief online survey or interview (up to 30 minutes) about your day-to-day responsibilities, design decisions, and collaboration patterns. Your insights will help create a more accurate description of the software development profession at $64 per hour.
What You'll Do4
- 1Participate in a structured online survey or interview (max 30 minutes) covering your daily work as a software developer.
- 2Describe your involvement in the full development lifecycle — from requirements analysis and system design to coding, testing, and deployment.
- 3Help clarify how your role differs from related positions like web developer, computer programmer, or QA analyst by sharing concrete examples of your design authority and decision-making.
- 4Optionally complete a short follow-up survey, task, or interview (paid separately) to provide additional depth on your specific tasks and tools.
Requirements4
- 1At least 4 years of professional experience working specifically as a software developer (not web developer, programmer, or QA).
- 2Currently employed or have worked as a software developer within the last 12 months.
- 3Direct, hands-on knowledge of design, coding, and deployment tasks — you analyze requirements, architect solutions, and own the development process.
- 4Must be U.S.-based and authorized to participate in a paid study.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for experienced software developers who want to shape how their occupation is officially described. You should have a solid track record of designing and building software systems beyond just writing code to someone else's specifications. Engineers who distinguish themselves from web developers, programmers, and QA analysts — and can articulate how they own decisions from concept to deployment — are the perfect fit.
Salary Insight
Compensation is $64 per hour for the initial 30-minute survey/interview, with any optional follow-up tasks paid separately.
Application Tip
Before applying, review the O*NET definition for Software Developers (SOC 15-1252.00) to ensure your daily work aligns with the role's emphasis on *design authorship* rather than just coding from specs. This will help you provide precise, impactful examples during the survey.
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