SWE (Active Open Source Github Contributor)

Mercor is seeking experienced software engineers to support a leading AI lab in advancing research and infrastructure for next-generation machine learning systems. This engagement focuses on diagnosing and solving real issues derived from major open-source repositories through hands-on coding, debugging, and validation. It’s an opportunity to contribute your technical expertise to cutting-edge AI research.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and resolve software issues drawn from large open-source codebases

• Write, test, and validate code solutions that address specific bugs or system inefficiencies

• Implement and refine APIs, database structures, and backend components supporting AI workflows

• Configure local development environments to replicate and investigate complex issues

Ideal Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional software engineering experience in a fast-paced or technically demanding environment

• Proven contribution history to one or more of the following open-source repositories is a must. We will be validating this:

  • astropy/astropy

  • django/django

  • matplotlib/matplotlib

  • pytest-dev/pytest

  • scikit-learn/scikit-learn

  • sphinx-doc/sphinx

  • sympy/sympy

• Advanced proficiency in Python, API development, and structured testing

• Excellent analytical, written, and communication skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and persistence in debugging complex systems

• Residency in one of the following regions: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

More About the Opportunity

• Expected workload: 20–30 hours per week, with flexibility to scale up to 40 hours

• Duration: open-ended engagement with potential for long-term collaboration

• Project start date: mid to late October (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Application Process

• Submit your resume and include links to your GitHub profile and relevant repository contributions

• Applications reviewed continuously; shortlisted professionals will be contacted for next steps

• Typical response time: within one week of submission

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.