DevOps Engineer

Mercor; Canada; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a skilled DevOps Engineer to support a leading AI research lab. This remote role focuses on configuring development environments and managing dependencies for open-source Python projects. You will be responsible for ensuring codebases run smoothly, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail and effective communication. Join a dynamic team that values flexibility and offers competitive compensation, including a bonus for successful candidates. If you are passionate about technology and eager to contribute to impactful projects, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Expertise in Python and Docker for environment setup.
• Experience with managing dependencies and Python versioning.

Responsibilities

• Configure development environments for open-source Python projects.
• Resolve dependency issues and ensure tests pass across codebases.

Skills

Python

Docker

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Tools

pip

venv

pyenv

Job description

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Mercor is hiring software engineers to assist a leading AI research lab with environment setup and dependency management for open-source Python projects. Your work will focus on configuring development environments, resolving dependency issues, and ensuring tests pass across various codebases. This is a remote, flexible role.

Note: You must have Docker installed on your device prior to taking the interview. Candidates who pass the interview and join the project will receive a $150 bonus, in addition to hourly compensation for the project.

Job requirements

• Have expertise in both Python and Docker
• Are deeply familiar with setting up development environments (installing dependencies, upgrading/downgrading to the right version of Python)
• Have high attention to detail
• Have exceptional written and verbal communication skills

A strong candidate might have some of the following traits:

• Comfortable with getting Python codebases set up, including using virtual environments

• Has used tools like pip, venv, and pyenv

• Understands Python packaging: editable installs, extras (e.g. .[dev]), version constraints

2. DevOps Awareness (even at a lightweight level)

• Understands Python versioning and how to manage multiple versions (via pyenv, conda, etc.)

• Knows how to mirror historical environments (aligning with commits, timestamps, etc.)

• May have experience containerizing apps but understands how to recreate that behavior locally

3. Strong Debugging / Test-Focused Thinking

• Skilled at reading test error output and knowing when it’s a code issue vs. an env issue

• Can trace dependency issues, like version conflicts, incompatible changes, or deprecated APIs

4. Comfortable with Open Source Ecosystems

• Has explored or contributed to open source Python projects

• Understands that OSS projects evolve over time — and that older commits may need older tools

• Can read and interpret metadata and documentation from GitHub, PyPI, ReadTheDocs, etc.

More details about the role

• This project is focused on environment set up in Python. Given open-source GitHub repos, you will be asked to get the codebases up and running locally, with passing test cases.
• The project has a 2 week trial period up front to see if it’s a good mutual fit, and will extend beyond that based on performance.
• You will be expected to commit between 20-40 hours per week. The hours are fully flexible and the opportunity is remote.
• The application process is very simple: upload your resume, immediately take a 45-minute long interview (no wait), and then wait to hear back from us!

Preparing for the interview

• The interview will take around 30-60 minutes and will be administered by Mercor AI, with an initial behavioral component followed by one technical challenge.
• Please make sure Docker is installed and functioning properly on your machine before the interview, and complete one technical challenge in Python during the interview. We expect experienced software engineers to finish the task in ~30-60 minutes, but you will have up to two hours to complete the task.
• In the interview, you will be asked to get a specific version of a Python codebase up and running, with passing test cases, by modifying a Dockerfile.
• You will be asked to share your entire screen for the duration of the technical challenge.
• Upon completion of the technical challenge, please save your Dockerfile and prepare to upload it on the next page.
• Candidates who successfully pass the interview and join the project will receive a one-time bonus of $150, in addition to base compensation.

Role Logistics:

• You’ll be paid weekly via Stripe Connect.
• You’ll be an independent contractor, working through Mercor.
• The advertised pay range is for US-based candidates, but we strive to keep rates competitive for all geographies.

About Mercor

• Our team is based in San Francisco, CA.
• We specialize in recruiting experts for top AI labs.
• Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Industries

  Software Development

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