Software Engineer (Bash and Shell Script)

Role Overview

Mercor is collaborating with a top academic research lab focused on advancing AI agents in real-world system environments. We're seeking high-performing software engineers based in Five Eyes countries to rigorously evaluate and improve terminal-based agents through the Terminal-Bench 2.0 benchmark suite. This is a short-term, high-intensity contract ideal for engineers with deep systems-level expertise and a passion for hands-on problem-solving. Due to the complexity of the tasks, high engagement and consistent weekly availability are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Systematically analyze, solve, and document benchmark tasks involving Docker, shell scripting, and Linux system administration

• Evaluate agent outputs for correctness, reproducibility, and reliability across complex multi-step CLI workflows

• Provide detailed, evidence-based reasoning grounded in code structure and terminal behavior

• Synthesize information across files and configurations to assess end-to-end architecture

• Contribute high-quality reference solutions and diagnostic insights to improve agent performance metrics

Ideal Qualifications

• 1-3 years of software engineering experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science or related field from a top 50–100 global university

• Based in one of the Five Eyes countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

• Deep familiarity with terminal workflows, Linux environments, and shell scripting

• Strong knowledge of Bash, Docker, Git, Python, and distributed systems concepts

• Demonstrated ability to trace, debug, and explain complex system behaviors across multiple files

• Commitment to intellectual honesty, clarity, and rigorous methodology

Application Process

• Submit your resume and brief experience summary through Mercor

• Qualified applicants will be invited to complete a short-form technical assessment

• We typically follow up within 3–5 business days with next steps

About Mercor

• Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations

• Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey

• Thousands of professionals across domains like law, creatives, engineering, and research have joined Mercor to work on frontier projects shaping the next era of AI

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Contract and Payment Terms

• You will be engaged as an independent contractor.
• This is a fully remote role that can be completed on your own schedule.
• Projects can be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on needs and performance.
• Your work at Mercor will not involve access to confidential or proprietary information from any employer, client, or institution.
• Payments are weekly on Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
• Please note: We are unable to support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates at this time.

About Mercor

Mercor partners with leading AI labs and enterprises to train frontier models using human expertise. You will work on projects that focus on training and enhancing AI systems. You will be paid competitively, collaborate with leading researchers, and help shape the next generation of AI systems in your area of expertise.