> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/514416-astrophysics-software-designer-expert-ai-trainer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/514416-astrophysics-software-designer-expert-ai-trainer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Astrophysics Software Designer - Expert - AI Trainer

- **Company:** Mercor, Inc.
- **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States (Remote available)
- **Salary:** $145,600.0 - $208,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Reduction, Linux, Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, Containerization, Software Library
- **Published:** June 12, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7f197b703a7a9707

## About the Role

Do you have experience in Technical Proficiency?, Must-Have

 * Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM domain (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience).
 * Demonstrated proficiency with scientific software libraries, evidenced by research publications or professional work.
 * Strong Python programming skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.
 * Ability to work in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
 * Available for at least 15-20 hours per week.

Preferred

 * Experience across multiple listed domains or tools.
 * Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design.
 * Background in scientific pedagogy or exam/problem-set design.
 * Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments.

## Description

* Evaluate AI systems' ability to solve research-grade problems, from querying simulations to interpreting outputs.
 * Develop experimental strategies to recover hidden information from data, emphasizing strategic reasoning.
 * Calibrate tasks against state-of-the-art AI models, refining problem designs to achieve target difficulty.
 * Work independently and asynchronously to iterate on problem designs based on calibration feedback.
 * Utilize astropy and related tools for cosmological calculations and observational data reduction.


## Related Videos

- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [A Hitchhiker's Guide to Resource Efficient Software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1414-a-hitchhiker-s-guide-to-resource-efficient-software)
- [Containers and Kubernetes made easy: Deep dive into Podman Desktop and new AI capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1133-containers-and-kubernetes-made-easy-deep-dive-into-podman-desktop-and-new-ai-capabilities)
- [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1209-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou)
- [Discover the open source trio you didn’t expect: .NET and PostgreSQL on Linux](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2042-discover-the-open-source-trio-you-didn-t-expect-net-and-postgresql-on-linux)
- [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities)

## Related Articles

- [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)
- [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers)
- [Dev Digest 137 - AI'm not sure about this](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/485-dev-digest-137-ai-m-not-sure-about-this)
- [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud)
- [ Dev Digest 213: Petrol Prices, Agentic Workflows, AI Skills and CODE100!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/718-dev-digest-213-petrol-prices-agentic-workflows-ai-skills-and-code100)
- [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)