Senior Software Engineer (Part-Time | Remote | $85 –$125/hr)

<p><strong>Software Engineer (Codebase Deep Reasoning & Evaluation)</strong></p><p><strong>Hourly Contract | Part-Time Remote | $85 –$125 per hour</strong></p><p><strong>1. About the Role</strong></p><p>Mercor is partnering with one of the <strong>world’s leading AI research labs</strong> to engage experienced <strong>Software Engineers</strong> in a project advancing how AI systems understand and reason about large-scale, real-world codebases.</p><p>In this role, you’ll analyze <strong>complex, production-grade repositories</strong> to create and evaluate technically challenging coding tasks. You’ll explore multi-module systems, trace data flow, identify dependencies, and assess how advanced AI models comprehend architecture, design, and performance.</p><p>Your structured reasoning — supported by <strong>specific references to files, functions, and line numbers</strong> — will directly help shape the next generation of AI systems that think like top-tier engineers.</p><p><strong>2. You’re a Great Fit If You</strong></p><ul><li>Have <strong>4+ years of elite software engineering experience</strong> at top-tier startups, quantitative trading firms, hedge funds, or similarly demanding technical environments.</li><li>Have experience using <strong>coding agents or LLMs</strong> (e.g., Copilot, GPT-4, Claude, or Replit Agents) in your engineering workflow.</li><li>Hold a <strong>degree in Computer Science</strong> (or equivalent practical expertise).</li><li>Are fluent in <strong>Python</strong> and <strong>JavaScript/TypeScript</strong>, and can comfortably read <strong>Java, Go, Rust, C++, or C#</strong>.</li><li>Excel at <strong>systematic exploration</strong> — analyzing multiple files and dependencies before forming conclusions.</li><li>Demonstrate <strong>evidence-based reasoning</strong>, citing concrete code references rather than assumptions.</li><li>Possess strong <strong>cross-file synthesis</strong> skills, explaining how distributed logic connects across large systems.</li><li>Show deep <strong>architectural understanding</strong>, identifying design patterns and performance tradeoffs.</li><li>Display <strong>intellectual honesty</strong> and humility when reasoning under uncertainty.</li><li>Communicate insights clearly through <strong>structured technical documentation</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>3. Example Domains & Projects</strong></p><p>You may work across diverse real-world repositories, such as:</p><ul><li><strong>Web APIs</strong> and backend microservices</li><li><strong>CLI tools</strong> and data processing pipelines</li><li><strong>Frontend applications</strong> and DevOps tooling</li><li><strong>Security</strong>, observability, and performance-critical architectures</li></ul><p>Each project will test your ability to trace logic across files, connect system layers, and reason about design tradeoffs.</p><p><strong>4. Engagement Details</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Type:</strong> Short-term, high-impact project sprint</li><li><strong>Timeline:</strong> 24-hour sprint launching in the next 1–2 weeks</li><li><strong>Commitment:</strong> Flexible, remote, and asynchronous participation</li><li><strong>Compensation:</strong> Task-based pay; top performers have earned <strong>$1,000+</strong> during prior sprints</li><li><strong>Classification:</strong> Independent Contractor (via Mercor)</li><li><strong>Payment:</strong> Weekly payouts via <strong>Stripe Connect</strong> for approved work</li></ul><p>⚡ <strong>PS: Mercor reviews applications daily. Please complete your interview and onboarding steps to be considered for this opportunity.</strong> ⚡</p>