MercorVerified listing

Software Engineer (Foundational)

80–120/hr

Remote · United States

part-time

15 openings

Posted November 10, 2026

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Listing checked November 12, 2026 · pay as published by Mercor

Key details

Pay: $80–120/hr
Location: Remote · United StatesUnited States
Job type: part-time
Openings: 15
Posted: November 10, 2026

Overview

Mercor places engineers inside a top AI lab's GenAI group, where the work centers on the data that trains large language models. You would bring day-to-day production judgment from Python and a second systems or backend language (Java, C++, Go, or Rust) to judge, build, and repair the coding tasks models learn from. Expect to write multi-file problems with tests, score model output against clear rubrics, and hand research teams written feedback they can act on. The engagement runs part-time at 20 or more hours per week, and Cincinnatus LLC hires you as a W-2 employee before placing you with the lab's extended workforce.

What You'll Do6

Point research and engineering teams at the gaps in model knowledge across algorithms, data structures, backend design, and systems topics.
Author demanding, domain-specific coding problems and pair each one with a correct, well-organized solution.
Score submitted software engineering tasks and write technical feedback that names the specific flaw or strength.
Build and debug realistic multi-file coding exercises, complete with unit tests and reference solutions that execute without errors.
Draft rubrics that measure code correctness, readability, test coverage, and design tradeoffs in model-generated code.
Sync with other subject matter experts so training data stays consistent and accurate.

Requirements6

4 or more years of dedicated software engineering work at a recognized top-tier technology company or a high-growth startup.
Production-level Python plus at least one of Java, C++, Go, or Rust.
Comfort with Git workflows, code review, automated testing, and CI pipelines.
A record of career progression, for example Software Engineer to Senior Engineer to Staff or Tech Lead.
Availability for 20 or more hours per week during weekdays.
Clear written communication and the ability to explain a complex technical call in plain terms.

Who Should Apply

Engineers with four or more years of production experience who still write code and enjoy explaining why one design beats another. You have shipped Python services alongside Java, C++, Go, or Rust, and you want part-time work that shapes how models reason about software.

Salary Insight

The posted range is $80.00 to $120.00 per hour, a band that sits above typical contract rates for backend and systems engineers and matches the senior bar here: four or more years at a top-tier company plus a second language. Hours run part-time at 20 or more per week, and Cincinnatus LLC employs you on W-2 with payroll, benefits, and compliance handled.

Pay and demand for Software Engineering roles

Market estimates from live NearSkill listings — separate from this job's published terms.

Aggregated

This role · as published

$80–120/hr

Taken from the listing itself.

Typical pay · estimated

$72/hour

Median of 1,438 similar roles that publish pay · 307 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave

Most Software Engineering roles pay $40–$100 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.

Typical rangeMedian payThis role

Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.

Live similar roles: 1,652
Listed in last 30 days: 837
Remote: 97%

Hiring most right now: micro1 (507) · SME Careers (259) · Mercor (221)

Most requested skills · share of roles

ai evaluation
13%
python
12%
llm evaluation
11%
data annotation
9%

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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Required skills

PythonJavaC++GoRustGitCode ReviewAutomated TestingCiUnit TestingAlgorithmsData StructuresBackend DesignSystems DesignLarge Language ModelsGenerative AICode EvaluationTechnical Writing

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