
System Performance Engineer | Upto $120/hr
Mercor · United States
- Hybrid
- Part-time
- $120,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Improve AI model performance through system optimization.
- Design and solve complex performance engineering tasks.
- Provide expert technical feedback on solutions.
- Develop quality assessment guidelines for systems design.
- Collaborate with experts for data accuracy.
About the role
About The Job
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)
Type: Contract
Compensation: $90–$120/hour
Location: Remote
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
PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.
Key skills/competency
- Performance Engineering
- Systems Programming
- Low-level Optimization
- C++
- Python
- Rust
- AI Model Performance
- Compiler Engineering
- Runtime Performance
- Profiling
Skills & topics
- Performance Engineer
- Systems Programming
- Low-level Optimization
- C++
- Python
- Rust
- AI
- Performance
- Engineering
- Remote
How to get hired
- Customize your resume: Highlight C++, Python, Rust, and performance engineering experience.
- Prepare for the AI interview: Understand Mercor's focus on AI talent and performance.
- Showcase impact: Detail measurable performance improvements in production systems.
- Demonstrate communication: Emphasize strong written feedback and collaboration skills.
- Apply promptly: Complete all steps of the application process.
Technical preparation
Master C++ memory and concurrency.,Practice Python profiling and benchmarking.,Understand systems-level AI optimization.,Prepare for low-level optimization challenges.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex performance problem solved.,How do you provide constructive technical feedback?,Explain your process for evaluating solutions.,How do you ensure consistency with experts?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the expected hourly compensation for the Performance Engineer role at Mercor?
- The Performance Engineer position at Mercor offers a competitive hourly compensation ranging from $90 to $120.
- Is the Performance Engineer position at Mercor a remote role?
- Yes, the Performance Engineer position at Mercor is a fully remote role, allowing you to work from anywhere.
- What programming languages are essential for the Performance Engineer role at Mercor?
- Expertise in C++ for performance-critical systems is a must. Proficiency in Python for profiling and benchmarking is also required. Experience with Rust is considered a plus.
- How long does the application process for the Performance Engineer position at Mercor typically take?
- The application process for the Performance Engineer role at Mercor is designed to be efficient, typically taking 20-30 minutes to complete, including resume upload and an AI interview.
- What kind of experience is required for the Performance Engineer role at Mercor?
- Mercor is seeking candidates with at least 5 years of experience in performance engineering, systems programming, or low-level optimization, with a proven track record of measurable performance improvements.
- What is Mercor's mission and who are their investors?
- Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Their investors include prominent names such as Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
- What are the main responsibilities of a Performance Engineer at Mercor?
- The responsibilities include guiding teams to improve AI model performance, designing solutions for performance engineering problems, providing technical feedback, developing assessment rubrics, and collaborating with subject matter experts.
- Does Mercor offer support for candidates during the application process?
- Yes, Mercor provides support for any help or questions candidates may have during the application process via support@mercor.com.