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 (