
Performance Engineer - Fully Remote
Mercor · United States
- Hybrid
- Part-time
- $120,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Optimize AI model performance remotely.
- Use C++, Python for systems programming.
- Guide research and engineering teams.
- Develop performance analysis guidelines.
- Earn $90-$120/hour contract.
About the role
About Mercor
Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.Position: Performance Engineer (C++, Python, Rust)
Mercor is seeking a highly skilled Performance Engineer to join our fully remote team. This contract position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI research and optimize model performance. If you have a strong background in systems-level optimization, compiler engineering, and runtime performance, we encourage you to apply.Role Responsibilities
- Guide research and engineering teams to improve AI model performance in systems-level optimization, compiler engineering, and runtime performance.
- Design challenging tasks across multiple specializations and write accurate solutions to performance engineering problems.
- Evaluate tasks and solutions, providing clear, written technical feedback.
- Develop guidelines and rubrics for assessing systems design quality, profiling methodology, and performance analysis.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data.
Qualifications
Must-Have:- 5+ years of experience in performance engineering, systems programming, or low-level optimization.
- Expertise in C++ for performance-critical systems, including memory management and concurrency primitives.
- Proficiency in Python for profiling and benchmarking; experience with Rust is a plus.
- Track record of measurable performance improvements on production systems.
- Ability to engage for at least 30 hours/week during weekdays.
- Strong written communication skills.
Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)
- Upload resume
- AI interview based on your resume
- Submit form
Resources & Support
- For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
- For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com
Key skills/competency
- Performance Engineering
- Systems Programming
- Low-Level Optimization
- C++
- Python
- Rust
- AI Model Performance
- Compiler Engineering
- Runtime Performance
- Benchmarking
Skills & topics
- Performance Engineer
- C++
- Python
- Rust
- Systems Programming
- Low-Level Optimization
- AI Performance
- Compiler Engineering
- Runtime Performance
- Benchmarking
- Remote
- Contract
- AI Research
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight C++, Python, and performance engineering experience.
- Prepare for AI interview: Be ready to discuss past performance improvements.
- Understand the process: Review Mercor's interview guide for platform details.
- Submit promptly: Complete all application steps for daily review consideration.
- Contact support: Reach out to support@mercor.com for any assistance.
Technical preparation
Master C++ memory management and concurrency.,Practice Python for profiling and benchmarking.,Study systems programming and low-level optimization.,Prepare to demonstrate measurable performance gains.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex performance problem solved.,How do you provide constructive technical feedback?,How do you collaborate with subject matter experts?,How do you ensure accuracy in technical data?
Frequently asked questions
- How can I highlight my C++ and Python skills for the Mercor Performance Engineer role?
- For the Mercor Performance Engineer position, emphasize your C++ experience in performance-critical systems, including memory management and concurrency. Detail your Python proficiency in profiling and benchmarking, and mention any Rust experience. Quantify your achievements with measurable performance improvements on production systems.
- What is the expected time commitment for the Performance Engineer contract role at Mercor?
- The Performance Engineer contract role at Mercor requires a commitment of at least 30 hours per week, primarily during weekdays. This ensures adequate engagement with research and engineering teams for AI model optimization.
- Can I apply for the remote Performance Engineer role if I have less than 5 years of experience?
- The Mercor Performance Engineer role requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in performance engineering, systems programming, or low-level optimization. Candidates with extensive experience in C++ and Python for performance-critical systems are strongly encouraged to apply.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Performance Engineer at Mercor?
- As a Performance Engineer at Mercor, you will guide teams in optimizing AI model performance, design and solve performance engineering problems, evaluate solutions, and develop guidelines for performance analysis and systems design quality.
- How does Mercor handle the application process for the remote Performance Engineer position?
- Mercor's application process for the Performance Engineer role involves uploading your resume, completing an AI-driven interview based on your resume, and submitting the final form. Applications are reviewed daily.
- What kind of performance improvements should I be prepared to discuss for the Mercor job?
- For the Mercor Performance Engineer role, be prepared to discuss your track record of measurable performance improvements on production systems. This includes specific examples related to systems-level optimization, compiler engineering, and runtime performance using C++ and Python.
- Who are Mercor's investors, and what does this mean for the Performance Engineer role?
- Mercor is backed by notable investors such as Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey. This indicates strong financial backing and a significant growth potential, offering a stable and impactful environment for the Performance Engineer.