Machine Learning Engineer — Remote — $140 per hour

Role Overview

Mercor is driving a leading AI research initiative focused on benchmarking and enhancing model performance and training speed across a range of machine learning tasks. This project is ideal for Machine Learning Engineers (MLEs) with 5+ years of experience or Machine Learning PhDs interested in reproducible ML research and benchmarking AI model development.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile external ML competitions into challenging tasks that reflect real-world responsibilities (training models, prepping datasets, and running experiments).

• Draft detailed, executable natural language plans to completing MLE tasks.

• Implement those plans in Python code within a provided Docker environment.

• Validate implementations against original plans and mark discrepancies.

Ideal Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in applied machine learning OR PhD in machine learning or adjacent fields.

• Strong Python engineering skills, especially for model training and data handling.

• Familiarity with Docker-based development environments.

• Detail-oriented approach to technical planning and code validation.

• Experience with reproducibility and benchmarking in ML research (preferred).

More About the Opportunity

• Remote and asynchronous — set your own hours.

• Estimated commitment: 20 hours/week.

• Expected project duration: 2+ months with the possibility of an extension.

Compensation & Contract Terms

• Up to $150/hour depending on region and experience.

• Paid weekly via Stripe Connect.

• Structured as an independent contractor engagement.

Application Process

• Submit your resume.

• Complete an AI interview (<10 minutes) and short form revolving around your ML experience.

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.