Senior Software Engineer - AI Coding Research ($100-$250/hr)

APPLY DIRECTLY HERE: https://t.mercor.com/ptG8H
Role Overview Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to understand how elite developers build software with advanced AI coding assistants. In this unique remote research opportunity, you will work on your own real-world software projects using OpenCode (a terminal-based coding assistant) while your coding sessions are recorded to help shape the future of AI development tools.
Core Responsibilities
Build out actual features on your own verifiable software project (side project, startup MVP, or LLM-powered feature) using the provided open-weight and Gemini AI models.
Dynamically evaluate and choose which AI model to use for each specific programming task, switching between them naturally as you work.
Maintain structured workflows by utilizing one dedicated chat per development task.
Allow your terminal-based coding sessions to be recorded for AI behavioral research and model evaluation.
Candidate Profile
Active Builder: Currently and actively building a verifiable software project.
AI Tool Proficiency: Regular, hands-on user of modern AI coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, or Cline.
Technical Environment: Highly comfortable navigating the terminal and using Git on a Mac or Linux operating system.
Preferred: Prior experience building agentic workflows or LLM-integrated software features is a strong plus.
Language: Fluent in written and spoken English.
Engagement Details & Compensation
Work Structure: 100% remote, independent contractor status. Highly flexible schedule.
Time Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week (Immediate start).
Compensation: Highly competitive rate ranging from $100.00 to $250.00 per hour, depending on your technical experience and project complexity.
Payments: Processed securely and weekly via Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
(We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.)

Work arrangement
Yes