Principal Infrastructure Engineer
Mercor · India
- Hybrid
- Part-time
- $80,000 / year
- India
Job highlights
- Evaluate AI coding agents for infrastructure debugging.
- Debug and fix systems using AI CLI agents.
- Write bash scripts for system stability.
- Diagnose complex containerized systems.
- Work remotely with flexible hours.
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: Software Engineer
Type: Freelance
Compensation: $75–$80/hour
Location: Remote
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Commitment: 15–40 hours/week
Role Responsibilities
- Evaluate and compare the performance of AI-powered CLI coding agents on real-world infrastructure debugging tasks.
- Solve TerminalBench tasks using AI CLI agents to diagnose and fix failing systems.
- Write bash scripts to address root causes and ensure they survive service restarts.
- Diagnose broken systems inside Docker containers involving databases, TLS, pipelines, and more.
- Compare and rank agents' approaches after each task to inform product decisions.
- Work independently and asynchronously with flexible hours.
Qualifications
Must-Have
- 3+ years of experience in software engineering with hands-on debugging of systems and infrastructure.
- Strong bash/shell scripting proficiency.
- Experience with Docker and containerization.
- Skills in infrastructure and systems debugging with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, nginx, TLS, systemd, and log analysis.
- Familiarity with version control workflows (Git, PRs, issue tracking).
Preferred
- Experience with AI coding tools like Copilot, Cursor, or Claude.
Start Date
ImmediateApplication Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)
- Upload resume
- AI interview: A short, 15-minute conversational session to understand your background, experience, and interest in the role
- Follow-up communication within a few days with next steps and onboarding details
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
- Principal Infrastructure Engineer
- Systems Debugging
- Bash Scripting
- Docker
- Containerization
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- Redis
- Nginx
- TLS
Skills & topics
- Principal Infrastructure Engineer
- Systems Debugging
- Bash Scripting
- Docker
- Containerization
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- Redis
- Nginx
- TLS
- Software Engineering
- Remote Work
- Freelance
- AI
- Infrastructure
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 3+ years of infrastructure debugging, bash scripting, and Docker experience.
- Prepare for the AI interview: Be ready to discuss your system debugging skills and interest in AI tools.
- Understand the platform: Review Mercor's resources at talent.docs.mercor.com for insights into the process.
- Respond promptly: Complete the application and AI interview within the 20-30 minute timeframe for consideration.
Technical preparation
Practice debugging complex systems in Docker.,Write advanced bash scripts for system recovery.,Familiarize yourself with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, Nginx.,Review AI coding tools like Copilot, Cursor, Claude.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging infrastructure debugging scenario.,How do you approach diagnosing failing systems?,How do you evaluate and compare technical solutions?,How do you work independently and asynchronously?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the Principal Infrastructure Engineer role at Mercor?
- The Principal Infrastructure Engineer role at Mercor is a freelance position with a short duration, expected to last between 1 to 2 weeks. This allows for a focused engagement on specific AI-powered CLI coding agent evaluation tasks.
- What technical skills are essential for the Principal Infrastructure Engineer position?
- Essential technical skills include over 3 years of experience in software engineering with hands-on systems and infrastructure debugging. Proficiency in bash/shell scripting, Docker and containerization, and debugging databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis), nginx, TLS, systemd, and log analysis are required. Familiarity with Git workflows is also necessary.
- Can I work on the Principal Infrastructure Engineer role remotely?
- Yes, the Principal Infrastructure Engineer position at Mercor is a fully remote role, offering flexibility in terms of work location. You can work from anywhere as long as you meet the commitment hours.
- What is the application process for the Principal Infrastructure Engineer role?
- The application process involves uploading your resume and completing a short, 15-minute AI interview. Mercor aims to provide follow-up communication with next steps within a few days after you submit your application.
- What is the expected commitment for the Principal Infrastructure Engineer role?
- The Principal Infrastructure Engineer role requires a commitment of 15 to 40 hours per week. This allows for flexibility, and the total duration of the project is estimated to be 1 to 2 weeks.
- What kind of AI tools are preferred for the Principal Infrastructure Engineer role?
- While not strictly required, experience with AI coding tools such as Copilot, Cursor, or Claude is preferred for the Principal Infrastructure Engineer position. This suggests an interest in leveraging AI to enhance development and debugging processes.
- How long does the application process take for Mercor jobs?
- The application process for Mercor jobs, including the Principal Infrastructure Engineer role, is designed to be efficient, typically taking around 20 to 30 minutes to complete, which includes uploading your resume and the AI interview.