Software Developers (Must own MacBook)
Listing checked October 19, 2026 · pay as published by Mercor
Overview
Mercor seeks software developers for a research project with a leading AI lab. You will work inside normal development workflows on your own Mac, building, debugging, refactoring, and reviewing code while explaining your reasoning out loud. The project uses those sessions to benchmark and improve AI models and to create training data. Expect a part-time load of about 10 to 20 hours each week, with an immediate start preferred.
What You'll Do6
- 1Complete software development tasks on your own Mac, covering builds, bug fixes, refactors, and code reviews.
- 2Talk through each step as you code so the project captures clear reasoning for model training.
- 3Use macOS developer tools such as VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, Git, and package managers during the work.
- 4Produce structured training data from real coding sessions for a leading AI lab research effort.
- 5Explain technical choices in written and verbal form when the project needs context.
- 6Start on the project on short notice when scheduling allows.
Requirements6
- 1Own a MacBook or Mac with an Apple M-series chip or Intel processor and run macOS 15 or higher.
- 2Bring 2 to 3 years of professional coding experience or enrollment in a postgrad Computer Science program.
- 3Show hands-on work with at least one language such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Swift, Java, or Go.
- 4Use macOS developer tools in daily work, including VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, Git, and package managers.
- 5Hold a Bachelors from a prestigious institution with 2 to 3 years of relevant experience, or pursue Masters studies now or hold a completed Masters degree.
- 6Explain coding decisions as you work, with strong written and verbal communication.
Who Should Apply
A developer with 2 to 3 years of hands-on coding experience or a postgrad CS student who owns an Apple M-series or Intel Mac with macOS 15+ and can explain code decisions in plain language. Candidates should know at least one of Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Swift, Java, or Go and use VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, Git, and package managers on macOS.
Salary Insight
The listed rate is $50 to $60 per hour. The 10 to 20 hour weekly schedule means earnings track the hours you log, and the band fits paid AI training work that asks for live coding and reasoning.
Pay and demand for Software Engineering roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$72/hour
This role
$50–$60/hr
Most Software Engineering roles pay $42–$100 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Based on 1,079 similar roles that publish pay · 302 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
- 1,243
- Listed in last 30 days
- 480
- Remote
- 97%
Hiring most right now: micro1 (362) · SME Careers (253) · Mercor (155)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- ai training13%
- llm evaluation11%
- ai evaluation11%
- data annotation9%
Figures from Software Engineering roles live on NearSkill when this page loaded. A role can close before you apply, so check the listing itself.
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Compensation
$50–60/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
Put your exact Mac model, chip, and macOS version at the top of your resume, then name the languages and macOS tools you use. Prepare a short spoken walkthrough of a recent bug fix or refactor for the AI interviewer.
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