Performance Engineer (C++, Python, Rust)
Mercor / Performance Engineer (C++, Python, Rust)
RATE
$70-$110/HR
LOCATION
UNITED STATES
DESCRIPTION
We're seeking talented Performance Engineers with deep expertise in low-level systems optimization — specifically C++, Python, and Rust — to bring hands-on technical excellence and elevate the quality of our AI training and inference infrastructure data. This role involves AI model training and evaluation work, including writing and assessing performance-engineering tasks and solutions to generate high-quality training data for frontier AI systems. 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. This is a 40-hour full-time engagement, with no conflicts/no other engagements. 2. Key Responsibilities Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps and improve AI model performance in systems-level optimization, compiler engineering, and runtime performance topics. Design challenging, domain-relevant tasks across multiple specializations, and write accurate and well-structured solutions to performance engineering problems. Evaluate performance engineering tasks and solutions and provide clear, written technical feedback. Develop guidelines and detailed rubrics/evaluation frameworks to assess systems design quality across AI workloads. Collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data. 3. Core
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸2+ years of dedicated professional experience in performance engineering, systems programming, or low-level optimization.
- ▸Deep hands-on expertise in at least one of the following: C++, Python, or Rust — with working familiarity across the others being a strong plus.
- ▸Demonstrable track record of measurable performance improvements on production systems (e.g., latency reduction, throughput gains, memory footprint optimization).
- ▸Demonstrable career progression.
- ▸Ability to engage reliably for at least 40 hours/week during weekdays.
- ▸Strong written communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly.
- ▸We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
- ▸Contract and Payment Terms
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