Mercor · Software & coding
Software Developers (Must own MacBook)
Listed on Mercor as “Software Developers (Must own MacBook)”
What this actually is
You review AI-generated code, rank model outputs against each other, write prompts that test edge cases, and provide expert feedback that gets used to train coding models. Not shipping production software. The platform title (Software Developers (Must own MacBook)) reflects the rate band and the expertise required, not the day-to-day work.
Can you do this on your visa?
F-2 / F-4 / F-5 / F-6: open. E-1 to E-7: needs concurrent-employment permit. D-2 / D-4 students: S-3 permit, 20 hr/week cap. D-10 / D-8: case by case.
Korean tax on USD income
First 5 years in Korea: foreign-source income only taxed if remitted into Korea. After year 5: worldwide income. Full tax guide.
Original posting from Mercor
Role Overview:
Mercor is looking for software developers with 2-3 years of professional coding experience, or currently enrolled postgrad Computer Science students, to support a research project with a leading AI lab. You will work through real development workflows on your own Mac to help benchmark and improve cutting-edge AI models.
Qualifications:
- Required: You must own a MacBook or Mac with an Apple M-series chip or Intel processor, running macOS 15 or higher. Applicants without a Mac cannot be considered.
- Hands-on experience with one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Swift, Java, Go)
- Comfortable with everyday developer tools on macOS such as VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, Git, and package managers
- Currently pursuing or recently completed Masters studies, or have 2-3 years of relevant experience + Bachelors from a prestigious institution
- Ability to clearly explain your reasoning while you work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Job Details:
- Part-time commitment of approximately 10-20 hours per week
- Responsibilities include completing and narrating real software development tasks (building, debugging, refactoring, reviewing code) on your Mac to create high-quality training data for advanced AI models
- Clearly structured responsibilities without the high pressure typically found in internships or full-time consulting roles
- Immediate start preferred
Application and Onboarding Process:
- Submit your resume, followed by a brief (3-minute) conversation with our AI interviewer to assess research and reasoning skills
- Complete a brief paid assessment to further evaluate your fit for the role
- You will receive follow-up communication within a few days regarding your application status and next steps
Quoted from Mercor’s public listing on 2026-10-19.We don’t edit platform copy; honest framing is in the title and the “what this actually is” block above.
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About Mercor
AI-interview-based talent network. One application, voice interview with their AI, then matched to projects across coding, research, and specialist work. Pay scales with track and seniority.
Mercor review: AI-interview talent network
4.1/5 on Glassdoor, fastest-growing platform in the category (+509% YoY). What the AI video interview actually asks, real pay across coding/research/medical/legal/finance tracks ($25-$200/hr), and the project-availability problem.
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