Software Engineer (Foundational)

$80–$120/hr USDMercorJob location: United StatesWork arrangement unspecifiedUS residents only

At a glance

You will design and evaluate software engineering coding tasks, write and debug multi-file solutions with tests, and give written feedback to improve AI training data. You need 4+ years at a top-tier tech company or high-growth startup, Python plus Java, C++, Go or Rust, and 20+ hours/week on weekdays.

Summary written by AI from the original listing.

  • At least 20 hours a week
  • Top of the range ($120/hr USD) is well above the typical $85/hr USD for similar roles on Mercor See how this pay compares ↓
  • Posted Nov 9, 2026 · 15 openings reported

About the role

Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge GenAI team to be at the core of the AI revolution, where your expertise fuels the development of the most advanced Large Language Models.

1\. Overview

Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge GenAI team and help build foundational AI models from the ground up. We're seeking talented Software Engineers with hands-on expertise in production software engineering across Python and at least one systems or backend language (Java, C++, Go or Rust) to bring rigorous engineering judgment and elevate the quality of our AI training data.

This is a W-2 employment position with Cincinnatus LLC, with the opportunity to be placed at a leading AI Lab as part of their extended workforce.

2\. Key Responsibilities

  • Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps and improve AI model performance in software engineering, algorithms and data structures, and backend and systems design topics.
  • Design challenging, domain-relevant tasks, and write accurate and well-structured solutions to software engineering problems.
  • Evaluate software engineering tasks and solutions and provide clear, written technical feedback.
  • Write, review and debug realistic multi-file coding tasks, including unit tests and reference solutions that run cleanly.
  • Develop rubrics to assess code correctness, readability, test coverage and design tradeoffs in model-generated code.
  • Collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data.

3\. Core Qualifications

  • 4+ years of dedicated professional software engineering experience at a recognized, top-tier technology company or high-growth startup.
  • Strong production proficiency in Python plus at least one of Java, C++, Go or Rust.
  • Hands-on experience with Git workflows, code review, automated testing and CI.
  • Demonstrable career progression (e.g., Software Engineer → Senior Engineer → Staff or Tech Lead).
  • Ability to engage reliably for at least 20 hours/week during weekdays.
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly.

About Cincinnatus LLC: Cincinnatus LLC is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for contingent and contract-based opportunities. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Cincinnatus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Applicant countries
US residents only

The listing requires applicants to reside in the United States. Check the original listing for any additional requirements.

Openings reported
15
Work arrangement
Work arrangement unspecified
Advertised job location
United States
Originally posted
2026-11-09
Last checked

How this pay compares

Software engineering: typical hourly pay on each platform, November 2026.

This role $80–$120/hr USDTypical on Mercor $85/hr USDTypical across platforms $63/hr USD

  • MercorThis platform$85/hr USD37 rolesMiddle half of roles: $65–$110/hr USD
  • micro1$80/hr USD40 rolesMiddle half of roles: $65–$91/hr USD
  • Alignerr$63/hr USD132 rolesMiddle half of roles: $60–$75/hr USD
  • Meridial$37/hr USD48 rolesMiddle half of roles: $36–$37/hr USD
  • SME Careers$60/hr USD52 rolesMiddle half of roles: $24–$70/hr USD
  • Handshake AI$78/hr USD12 rolesMiddle half of roles: $73–$121/hr USD
  • Alpheva$205/hr USD7 rolesMiddle half of roles: $189–$225/hr USD
  • Anyone AI$63/hr USD78 rolesMiddle half of roles: $63–$63/hr USD

Based on 407 hourly-paid roles listed in November 2026. Per-task and project rates are not included. Each platform sets its own pay.

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