System Design Specialist

1. Role Overview

Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to engage professionals with advanced expertise in Software Engineering. As a Software Engineering Specialist on the Human Data team, you will play a key role in developing high-quality datasets that train and refine large language models. This full-time position is ideal for experienced engineers eager to apply their technical expertise to advance AI capabilities through close collaboration with world-class research and engineering teams.

You will create and curate data in multiple formats including text, voice, and video to help AI systems learn human reasoning, problem-solving, and coding best practices. The role involves designing, evaluating, and refining code in multiple programming languages, ensuring AI-generated solutions meet industry standards for scalability, reliability, and performance. Your work will directly contribute to building next-generation AI systems that support complex, real-world software development.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Curate and annotate code datasets in Python, JavaScript including ReactJS, C or C++, Java, Rust, and Go
• Evaluate and refine AI-generated code for efficiency, scalability, and reliability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance AI-driven coding solutions for enterprise use
• Design, test, and support distributed systems that power model training and benchmarking
• Integrate databases and extend schemas for robust data pipelines
• Implement logging, performance monitoring, and alerting to maintain system health

3. Ideal Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working with large codebases
• 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, deploying, and testing distributed systems
• Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms
• Experience integrating databases such as MySQL or MongoDB
• Experience with application frameworks such as SpringBoot or ASP.NET
• Experience with cloud services such as AWS or Azure
• Clear understanding of tradeoffs when selecting technologies and system designs

4. Preferred Background

• Proven adaptability, rigorous logical reasoning, and strong attention to detail
• Experience with containerization tools such as Docker or Podman
• Proficiency in two or more languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, or C++

5. Work Environment and Schedule

• Location options include Palo Alto, CA or fully remote
• The Palo Alto role is in-office five days per week; remote roles require strong self-motivation and reliability
• U.S.-based applicants must reside outside of Wyoming and Illinois
• Visa sponsorship is not available
• Schedule runs 9:00 am to 5:30 pm PST for the first two weeks of training, then 9:00 am to 5:30 pm in your local timezone
• Remote teammates need reliable high-speed internet, a working camera, and a microphone

6. Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive pay ranging from $90,000 to $200,000 annually for U.S.-based professionals, depending on experience and location
• For international candidates, our recruiting team will provide an estimated pay range based on your location
• Comprehensive medical benefits for full-time employees
• Opportunity to engage in projects that directly influence the performance, reliability, and safety of next-generation AI systems

7. Application Process

• Submit your resume to get started
• Complete a 20-minute interview focused on your experience and expertise
• Successful candidates advance to additional rounds and meet the team
• The full process typically takes about one week

8. About Mercor

Mercor is based in San Francisco, CA and specializes in recruiting experts for top AI labs. Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.