MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER

Organization: Mercor
Position: Machine Learning Engineer
Referral Partner: Danut J Spataru
Type: Hourly Contract
Compensation: Up to $100/hour depending on region and experience
Location: Remote
Duration: 2+ months with the possibility of an extension
Commitment: 20 hours/week

Role Overview

This is an 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 0-2 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

• 0-2 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 $100/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.