Backend Engineering Specialist

This description is a summary of our understanding of the job description. Click on 'Apply' button to find out more. Role Description 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) , you’ll help shape the next generation of AI systems by curating advanced coding datasets, benchmarking model outputs, and enhancing model reasoning about programming practices. This role involves: Collaborating with technical teams to teach AI models how humans write, debug, and optimize code across multiple programming languages. Annotating and evaluating AI-generated code for efficiency, scalability, and reliability, ensuring it meets enterprise-level software development standards. Contributing data in text, voice, or video formats 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. Key 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 Node.js. 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: 9:00am–5:30pm 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 $45–100/hour for U.S.-based professionals, depending on experience and location. International pay rates available upon request. Classified as an independent contractor position. Payments issued regularly for services rendered. 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 .