Machine Learning Engineer
**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).
- Comfortable working independently under strict compliance constraints.
**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.