Performance Engineer (C++, Python, Rust) at Mercor

Performance Engineer (C++, Python, Rust) | $70–110/hr | Remote (US)

Join a leading AI lab's GenAI team and play a central role in shaping the next generation of Large Language Models. As a Performance Engineer, you'll bring deep systems-level expertise to improve AI training and inference infrastructure by generating high-quality training data for frontier AI systems.

This is a W-2, full-time (40 hrs/week) engagement employed through Cincinnatus LLC, placed directly within a top-tier AI lab's extended workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps in systems-level optimization, compiler engineering, and runtime performance.
• Design challenging, domain-relevant performance engineering tasks and write accurate, well-structured solutions.
• Evaluate performance engineering tasks and provide clear, detailed technical feedback.
• Develop evaluation frameworks and rubrics to assess systems design quality across AI workloads.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in AI training data.

Core Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in performance engineering, systems programming, or low-level optimization.
• Deep hands-on expertise in at least one of: C++, Python, or Rust — familiarity across all three is a strong plus.
• Proven track record of measurable performance improvements on production systems (latency, throughput, memory optimization).
• Demonstrable career progression in a relevant technical discipline.
• Availability for a dedicated 40-hour/week weekday engagement with no conflicting commitments.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly.

About Cincinnatus LLC

Cincinnatus LLC is an enterprise staffing company partnering with leading technology firms to place highly skilled professionals in high-impact contract roles. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance while embedding employees within client teams.

Cincinnatus LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.