Contract Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.

Employment eligibility to work in the U.S. is required, as Moody’s will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in Python programming, including machine learning libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and PyTorch


• Experience with machine learning operations practices, including continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines, model monitoring, and model maintenance preferred


• Expertise with modern machine learning tools and platforms, including Jupyter, Docker, Git, and cloud computing environments such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform


• Experience building data tools for extract, transform, and load processes, extracting data from SQL and NoSQL databases, and conducting advanced data analysis


• Experience with geographic information systems preferred


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to understand and articulate business requirements and objectives to both technical and non-technical stakeholders


• Expertise in supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms and their implementations, including advanced concepts such as active learning, computer vision, and deployments in complex environments


• Deep expertise in artificial intelligence, with a track record of implementing advanced AI solutions to drive strategic transformation and operational efficiency. Strong experience using AI tools to lead innovation initiatives. Demonstrated leadership in managing AI-related risks, ensuring ethical governance, and fostering a culture of responsible AI adoption across the organization

Education

• Advanced degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field required


• Typically requires a minimum of two years of hands‑on industry experience in machine learning, computer vision, data science, or a related field

Responsibilities

Develop practical, scalable, and robust machine learning and computer vision solutions that enhance product capabilities and deliver value to clients.

• Collect, clean, preprocess, and analyze data to support machine learning model development and maximize data value


• Create visualizations and conduct exploratory analysis to identify patterns, trends, opportunities, and data quality issues


• Train, evaluate, refine, and deploy machine learning models aligned with business objectives and product requirements


• Design, implement, and automate large-scale model training, integration, and evaluation pipelines


• Collaborate with machine learning, software engineering, product development, sales, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions


• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences through clear documentation and presentations


• Design and execute experiments to validate assumptions, improve model performance, and support data-driven decision making


• Ensure projects follow governance, security, ethical AI, and responsible data use practices while identifying and resolving operational inefficiencies

About the Team

Our Machine Learning Technology team is responsible for the core technology behind award-winning property intelligence solutions. We leverage machine learning, geospatial imagery, and computer vision to measure and monitor the built environment while delivering actionable insights to clients. By joining our team, you will contribute to innovative work that helps organizations better understand how homes and workplaces can withstand evolving climate and economic risks, while advancing the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across our products and solutions.

For US-based roles only: the anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is$95,500.00-$138,550.00, depending on factors such as experience, education, level, skills, and location. This range is based on a full-time position. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for incentive compensation. Moody’s also offers a competitive benefits package, including not but limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, life, disability, and accident insurance, a discounted employee stock purchase plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital or familial status,sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Moody’s also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about a reasonable accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email accommodations@moodys.com . This contact information is for accommodation requests only, and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications

For San Francisco positions, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

This position may be considered a promotional opportunity, pursuant to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody’s Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.