Backend Engineering Specialist

Overview

Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research group to engage experienced software engineers in a high-impact project focused on training and refining large language models (LLMs). As a Software Engineering Specialist (Human Data Team) youll help shape the next generation of AI systems by curating advanced coding datasets benchmarking model outputs and enhancing model reasoning about programming practices.

In this role youll collaborate with technical teams to teach AI models how humans write debug and optimize code across multiple programming languages. Youll annotate and evaluate AI-generated code for efficiency scalability and reliability ensuring it meets enterprise-level software development standards. Tasks may include contributing data in text voice or video formats such as recording short sessions or providing verbal feedback to help models learn from human expertise.

This is a full-time role for experienced engineers passionate about applying their coding and problem-solving skills to advance frontier AI systems.

Responsibilities

• Curate code examples provide detailed solutions and make precise corrections across programming languages such as Python JavaScript (including ReactJS) C/C Java Rust and Go.

• Evaluate and refine AI-generated code ensuring adherence to industry standards for efficiency scalability and reliability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance AI-driven coding solutions and benchmark LLM performance.

• Support training initiatives by improving annotation tools workflows and data quality.

• Contribute to developing coding tasks and datasets that challenge model reasoning and technical understanding.

Qualifications

• 5 years of professional back-end development experience.

• Proficiency in multiple server-side languages such as Python and .

• Strong experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and GraphQL endpoints.

• Hands-on experience with both relational databases (PostgreSQL MySQL) and non-relational databases (MongoDB Redis).

• Deep understanding of database optimization indexing and query performance.

• Strong grasp of web security principles including authentication authorization and data protection.

• Experience with asynchronous processing and background job systems.

• Proficiency with testing frameworks for unit integration and end-to-end testing.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Adaptable and detail-oriented professional with strong logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker).

• Familiarity with front-end technologies such as TypeScript or React to facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration.

• More About the Opportunity

• Location: Remote or in-person (Palo Alto CA); in-office requires 5 days/week.

• Schedule: 9:00am5:30pm PST for the first two weeks; then aligned with your local timezone.

• Technical requirements: Reliable high-speed internet connection camera and microphone for virtual collaboration.

• U.S. applicants: Must reside outside of Wyoming and Illinois.

• Visa sponsorship: Not available.

• Compensation & Contract Terms

• $90000$200000 per year for U.S.-based professionals depending on experience and location.

• International pay rates available upon request.

• Hourly pay is part of a broader rewards structure; benefits vary by country.

• Application Process

• Submit your resume and statement of exceptional work.

• Complete a 15-minute screening interview.

• If selected proceed to:

  • A technical deep-dive discussing your software engineering and annotation experience.

  • A take-home coding or annotation challenge.

  • A team meet-and-greet with project collaborators.

• The interview process is designed to be completed within one week.

• About Mercor

• Mercor is a global talent marketplace connecting top experts with leading AI research and development organizations.

• Mercors investors include Benchmark General Catalyst Adam DAngelo Larry Summers and Jack Dorsey.

• Thousands of professionals worldwide have joined Mercor to advance the responsible and innovative development of artificial intelligence.