Senior Backend Software Engineer – Remote ($110 –$150/hr)

Backend Engineering Specialist (Full Time)

Hourly Contract | Remote | $45 –$100 per hour

1. Role Overview

Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to recruit experienced Backend Engineers for a full-time, high-impact project focused on training and refining large language models (LLMs).

As a Backend Engineering Specialist (Human Data Team), you will play a key role in shaping next-generation AI systems by curating sophisticated backend datasets, evaluating AI-generated code, and strengthening model reasoning around backend architecture, scalability, and performance.

You’ll help AI models learn how professional engineers design, structure, and optimize backend systems in real-world environments. Your contributions may include annotated examples, detailed technical reviews, or recorded walkthroughs that capture best practices in backend software design.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Review, correct, and curate backend code across languages including Python, Node.js, C/C++, Java, Go, and Rust.
• Evaluate and refine AI-generated backend code for performance, scalability, maintainability, and security.
• Design and implement benchmarking tasks that assess LLM comprehension of backend workflows.
• Collaborate with AI research and data teams to improve annotation tools, automation, and data quality.
• Develop challenging backend engineering tasks and datasets to enhance AI problem-solving and reasoning.

3. Ideal Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional backend or full-stack engineering experience.
• Expertise in Python and Node.js server-side development.
• Proven ability to design and maintain RESTful APIs and GraphQL endpoints.
• Strong experience with relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and non-relational (MongoDB, Redis) databases.
• Deep knowledge of database optimization, indexing, and query performance.
• Familiarity with authentication, authorization, and data protection best practices.
• Experience with asynchronous processing, background job systems, and testing frameworks (unit, integration, E2E).

4. Preferred Skills

• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or other containerization tools.
• Familiarity with TypeScript or React for cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong logical reasoning, attention to detail, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

5. More About the Opportunity

• Location: Remote (or in-person in Palo Alto, CA — on-site requires 5 days/week).
• Schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM PST for the first two weeks, then aligned with your local timezone.
• Technical Requirements: Reliable high-speed internet, camera, and microphone for virtual collaboration.
• Eligibility: U.S. applicants must reside outside of Wyoming and Illinois.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available.

6. Compensation & Contract Terms

• Hourly Rate: $45–$100 USD/hour (based on experience and location).
• Classification: Independent Contractor.
• Payments: Issued regularly via Stripe Connect for services rendered.
• International Rates: Available upon request.
• Hourly pay is part of a broader performance-based rewards structure; benefits may vary by country.

7. Application Process

1. Submit your resume and a brief statement of exceptional work.
2. Complete a 15-minute screening interview.
3. If selected, proceed to:

• A technical deep-dive interview on backend and annotation experience.
• A take-home coding or annotation challenge.
• A team meet-and-greet with AI collaborators.

The entire process typically completes within one week.

⚡ PS: Mercor reviews applications daily. Please complete your interview and onboarding steps to be considered for this opportunity. ⚡