Join to apply for the Lead Software Engineer II role at Mercor. Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. This range is provided by Mercor. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $120.00/hr - $150.00/hr About The Job Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey. Position: Software Engineer Type: Independent Contractor Compensation: $120–$150/hour Location: Remote Duration: Open-ended Commitment: 20–40 hours/week Role 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. Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines while improving AI model performance.

Qualifications Must-Have

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: 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. Residency in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

Start Date

Mid to late October; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Compensation & Legal

Independent contractor engagement through Mercor. Hourly compensation, paid weekly via Stripe Connect.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

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.

Resources & Support

For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome/welcome For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr