Python Software Engineer - AI

## About the Role As a Python Software Engineer - AI at mercor, you will be part of a team that connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Your primary focus will be on developing and maintaining complex, production-grade Python systems for real-world environments. This role is critical to the success of mercor's mission, as it requires collaboration with top labs to improve AI model training and evaluation.

The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will involve designing modular, testable codebases using modern Python tooling and best practices. You will also be optimizing performance through profiling and memory management in Python. Given the remote nature of this position, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work independently to meet deadlines.

mercor is headquartered in San Francisco, but this role is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere. The company has a strong backing from investors including Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey, indicating a high level of commitment to innovation and excellence.

## What You Will Do - Develop and maintain production-grade Python systems for real-world environments - Design modular, testable codebases using modern Python tooling and best practices - Optimize performance through profiling and memory management in Python - Collaborate with leading foundational model AI labs to improve AI model training and evaluation - Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines and enhance AI model performance - Participate in code reviews to ensure high-quality code and best practices - Contribute to the development of new features and tools to support AI model development - Troubleshoot issues and debug code as necessary - Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI and Python technologies - Collaborate with other engineers to share knowledge and best practices

## What We Are Looking For - Experience working at top US tech firms or equivalent - Proven track record with complex Python systems - Deep understanding of Python language fundamentals - Experience with FastAPI, Pydantic, and modern Python best practices - Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently - Excellent communication and collaboration skills - Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment - Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality - Experience with AI or machine learning technologies is a plus

## Nice to Have - Experience with cloud-based technologies such as AWS or Google Cloud - Knowledge of containerization using Docker - Familiarity with agile development methodologies - Participation in open-source projects or personal coding projects

## Benefits and Perks - Competitive hourly rate - Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge company in the AI space - Collaborative and dynamic work environment - Flexible, remote work arrangement - Access to the latest tools and technologies - Professional development and growth opportunities - Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance - Comprehensive support for remote workers, including resources for productivity and well-being

- Prepare your portfolio: Make sure your GitHub profile or personal website showcases your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your skills in Python, FastAPI, and Pydantic.

• Brush up on Python fundamentals: Review Python language basics, data structures, and object-oriented programming principles to ensure you're well-prepared for the technical interview.
• Familiarize yourself with AI and machine learning concepts: While not required, having a basic understanding of AI and machine learning principles can give you an edge in the interview process.
• Practice coding challenges: Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to practice solving coding challenges, focusing on Python-specific problems.
• Be ready to discuss your experience: Prepare examples from your past experience working with complex Python systems, and be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and collaboration skills.
• Ask about the team and company culture: During the interview, ask questions about the team you'll be working with, the company culture, and opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Negotiate your rate based on experience: If you have extensive experience in Python and AI, be prepared to negotiate your hourly rate based on your qualifications and the market standard.