How much do contract machine learning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract machine learning engineer in Naperville, IL is $128,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,300.00 and $154,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Machine Learning Engineer job?

A Contract Machine Learning Engineer is a professional who builds and deploys machine learning models on a temporary or project-based basis. They typically work with companies seeking specialized expertise in data science, model development, or AI integration without committing to a full-time hire. Responsibilities may include data preprocessing, model training, algorithm optimization, and deployment. Contract roles allow for flexibility and are often remote, making them ideal for businesses with short-term AI needs or startups looking to scale their machine learning capabilities quickly.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Contract Machine Learning Engineer?

As a Contract Machine Learning Engineer, your daily tasks usually involve gathering and preprocessing data, building and fine-tuning machine learning models, and collaborating with software engineers and product managers to integrate your models into production systems. You may also meet with clients or internal teams to gather requirements and provide technical insights, as well as document and present your findings to stakeholders. Work is typically project-based and may require a high degree of independence, flexibility, and adaptability. This dynamic environment often exposes you to a variety of industries and technical challenges, making each project unique and providing valuable experience for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Machine Learning Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Machine Learning Engineer, you need a strong background in machine learning algorithms, data preprocessing, statistical analysis, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and experience using cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) or certifications in these areas are common requirements. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and time management skills are vital, especially when working with cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects remotely. These skills ensure effective delivery of high-quality, scalable machine learning solutions within tight project timelines and diverse client environments.

Contract Machine Learning Engineer Jobs Naperville, IL

Albi

Senior Machine Learning Engineer (LLMs)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... engineers * An environment that values deep work, clear thinking, and real impact * Regular team events and offsites * Equipment and learning budget to help you do your best work and keep up with the ...

Albi

Senior Machine Learning Engineer (LLMs)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... engineers * An environment that values deep work, clear thinking, and real impact * Regular team events and offsites * Equipment and learning budget to help you do your best work and keep up with the ...

Uber Freight

Senior Software Engineer - Machine Learning

Chicago, IL · On-site

At least 5+ years of Machine Learning engineering experience * Experience deploying ML models at scale using frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, or Spark MLlib * Experience in one or ...

Uber Freight

Senior Software Engineer - Machine Learning

Chicago, IL · On-site

At least 5+ years of Machine Learning engineering experience * Experience deploying ML models at scale using frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, or Spark MLlib * Experience in one or ...

Uber Freight

Senior Software Engineer - Machine Learning

Chicago, IL · On-site

At least 5+ years of Machine Learning engineering experience * Experience deploying ML models at scale using frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, or Spark MLlib * Experience in one or ...

Uber Freight

Senior Software Engineer - Machine Learning

Chicago, IL · On-site

At least 5+ years of Machine Learning engineering experience * Experience deploying ML models at scale using frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, or Spark MLlib * Experience in one or ...

Cboe Global Markets

Senior Engineer - Machine Learning - Regulatory

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Regulatory at Cboe Global Markets,you'llhave the opportunity to work with a highly skilled team to prototype, train, and deploy ML models and AI applications ...

Cboe Global Markets

Senior Engineer - Machine Learning - Regulatory

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Regulatory at Cboe Global Markets,you'llhave the opportunity to work with a highly skilled team to prototype, train, and deploy ML models and AI applications ...

United Airlines, Inc.

Principal Architect - Machine Learning

Chicago, IL · On-site

This role will frequently collaborate with ML engineers, data scientists and data engineers. This role will design, architect, implement and lead key components of the Machine Learning Platform, Gen ...

United Airlines, Inc.

Principal Architect - Machine Learning

Chicago, IL · On-site

This role will frequently collaborate with ML engineers, data scientists and data engineers. This role will design, architect, implement and lead key components of the Machine Learning Platform, Gen ...

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