Machine Learning Engineer Job (Remote) 2025 | $80–$120 Per Hour
If you are searching for a high-paying remote Machine Learning Engineer job, this opportunity from Mercor is ideal for early-career professionals and ML PhD graduates looking to work on real-world AI and machine learning workloads. This Machine Learning Engineer remote contract role offers competitive hourly pay, flexible scheduling, and the chance to collaborate with leading AI labs and research organizations in the United States.
The Machine Learning Engineer job at Mercor focuses on benchmarking, improving model performance, reinforcement learning environments, and large language model (LLM) workflows. With a strong emphasis on innovation, this role is perfect for candidates who want to build impactful AI systems while working remotely.
Machine Learning Engineer Job Overview
Position Details
- Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer
- Company: Mercor
- Location: Remote (United States only)
- Job Type: Hourly Contract / Part-Time
- Work Schedule: ~20 hours per week
- Contract Duration: Until December 22, with possible extension into 2026
- Salary / Pay Rate: $80 – $120 per hour (based on experience and region)
This is a remote machine learning contract job designed for professionals who prefer asynchronous work, structured deliverables, and outcome-driven performance.
About Mercor
Mercor is a technology-driven talent marketplace that connects highly skilled professionals with top AI labs, research institutions, and frontier technology companies. The company specializes in pairing expert talent with projects that help train, evaluate, and enhance next-generation artificial intelligence systems.
Mercor is backed by top global investors, including Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey. Thousands of professionals across engineering, research, data science, and creative fields rely on Mercor to access high-impact remote AI jobs.
What to Expect in This Machine Learning Engineer Role
This Machine Learning Engineer remote job is designed for individuals who enjoy tackling non-traditional machine learning challenges and working on cutting-edge AI evaluation tasks.
Role Highlights
- Fully remote and location-independent (within the U.S.)
- Flexible, asynchronous work schedule
- Clear task structure and measurable outcomes
- Opportunity to work on frontier AI and ML systems
- Weekly payments via Stripe or Wise
Key Responsibilities – Machine Learning Engineer
As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will contribute to projects that improve model performance and training efficiency across real ML workloads.
Primary Responsibilities
- Draft detailed natural-language plans and code implementations for machine learning tasks
- Translate novel ML problems into agent-executable tasks for reinforcement learning environments
- Analyze LLM-generated outputs to identify failure modes
- Apply golden patches and corrective strategies to improve model trajectories
- Support benchmarking and evaluation of machine learning models
This role emphasizes problem-solving, analytical thinking, and applied ML expertise.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements
- 0–2 years of experience as a Machine Learning Engineer
OR - PhD in Computer Science (Machine Learning coursework required)
- Strong programming skills in Python
- Experience with popular machine learning libraries, such as:
- TensorFlow
- scikit-learn
- XGBoost
- Solid understanding of data preparation, model training, and evaluation
Bonus Qualifications
- Contributions to machine learning benchmarks
- Experience working with reinforcement learning environments
- Familiarity with LLM evaluation workflows
Location Requirement
- Candidates must be based in the United States
- Mercor does not support H1-B or STEM OPT visas at this time
Compensation & Contract Terms
Pay & Benefits
- Hourly Rate: $80 – $120 per hour
- Payment Schedule: Weekly payments via Stripe or Wise
- Employment Type: Independent Contractor
- Schedule Flexibility: Work on your own time
Contract Notes
- Projects may be extended, shortened, or concluded early based on performance and business needs
- No access to confidential or proprietary information from other employers is required
This role is ideal for professionals seeking high-paying remote AI jobs, machine learning contract work, and flexible ML engineering roles.
How to Apply for the Machine Learning Engineer Job
The application process is simple and streamlined:
Application Steps
- Submit your resume
- Complete a System Design Session (under 30 minutes)
- Fill out the Machine Learning Engineer screening (under 5 minutes)
Early application is recommended, as remote ML jobs with high hourly rates are highly competitive.
Why Choose This Remote Machine Learning Engineer Job?
- Work on cutting-edge AI and ML projects
- Earn a high hourly rate in a flexible remote role
- Collaborate with leading researchers and AI experts
- Gain experience in LLM evaluation and reinforcement learning
- Ideal for early-career ML engineers and PhD graduates
Final Thoughts for Job Seekers
If you are looking for a remote Machine Learning Engineer job in 2025, this opportunity with Mercor offers an excellent combination of pay, flexibility, and career impact. Whether you are an early-career engineer or a recent PhD graduate, this role allows you to contribute to the future of artificial intelligence while working remotely.
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