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Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

IMC

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can ... Understanding of machine learning fundamentals - neural network architectures, inference ...

IMC

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can ... Understanding of machine learning fundamentals - neural network architectures, inference ...

Motorola

Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$96K - $131K/yr

Develop and implement analytics techniques to transform data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages, visualization software, data modeling, and machine learning to ...

The Hartford

AI Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $151K/yr

The Hartford is seeking AI Machine Learning Engineer to build Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) services for the Global Specialty Applied AI team. The Hartford is developing industryleading AI and ...

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All JobsContract Machine Learning Software Engineer JobsContract Machine Learning Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

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

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract machine learning software engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer typically collaborate with full-time team members during a project?

As a Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer, you will often work closely with full-time data scientists, software engineers, and product managers. Collaboration usually happens through regular stand-up meetings, code reviews, and shared documentation platforms. Despite being a contractor, you’re expected to integrate seamlessly with the team, communicate progress transparently, and adapt to the company’s workflows. Building strong relationships and proactively seeking feedback can help ensure your contributions align with the project’s goals and timelines.

What is the difference between Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectContract Machine Learning Software EngineerData Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in CS, ML, or related fields; experience with ML frameworksBachelor's or Master’s in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote, focused on developing ML models and softwareData analysis, visualization, and interpretation, often in research or business settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, consulting firms; used for deploying ML solutionsResearch institutions, finance, healthcare, and tech; used for insights and decision-making

The main difference is that Contract Machine Learning Software Engineers focus on developing and deploying ML models as software solutions, while Data Scientists analyze data to generate insights. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their primary objectives and work environments differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like Python, and expertise in machine learning algorithms, typically supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and cloud platforms, along with knowledge of version control systems like Git, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the ability to work independently or with cross-functional teams make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient delivery of scalable machine learning solutions that meet client requirements and project timelines.

What is a Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer?

A Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and systems. They often work with organizations that need specialized expertise for a limited duration, helping to build algorithms, analyze data, and integrate AI solutions into existing software products. Contract engineers typically have strong backgrounds in programming, mathematics, and data science, and they may work remotely or on-site. Their responsibilities can range from data preprocessing and model training to deploying models in production environments. This arrangement allows companies to access advanced machine learning skills without committing to a full-time hire.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Machine Learning Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Contract Machine Learning Software Engineer jobs near you
Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

We are deploying machine learning directly onto custom hardware - and we want you to help drive it from the ground up. This is an initiative where you'll have the rare opportunity to architect solutions from scratch, influence technical research direction, and see your work drive real impact in one of the most demanding computing environments in the world.
We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can fix it - there's no vendor to wait on and no abstraction layer you're not allowed to touch. If you've ever wanted to push the boundaries of what's computationally possible, this role is for you. We're looking for researchers and experienced engineers from any background. Trading experience is a bonus, not a prerequisite.
Your Core Responsibilities
  • Architect and co-design ML models with traders, quant researchers, and software engineers, treating hardware constraints (latency budgets, resource limits, numerical precision) as first-class design inputs
  • Shape our custom hardware roadmap by translating ML model requirements into concrete architectural decisions
  • Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production
  • Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture search, machine learning systems and quantization methods, and determine what translates to measurable improvements in our systems

Your Skills and Experience
  • Solid understanding of hardware constraints and design trade-offs (e.g., pipelining, resource utilization, fixed-point arithmetic) that shape how ML models can be efficiently mapped onto FPGAs or custom ASICs
  • Experience with hardware fundamentals, whether through VHDL/SystemVerilog development, HLS tools, or ML-to-hardware frameworks like hls4ml, FINN, or Vitis AI
  • Understanding of machine learning fundamentals - neural network architectures, inference optimization, quantization techniques, ML frameworks such as PyTorch/TensorFlow
  • Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar languages for tooling, testing, and simulation
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines with both technical and non-technical teams

Nice to Have
  • Exposure to ML compiler infrastructure such as MLIR, TVM, XLA, or similar tools for lowering and optimizing models for hardware targets
  • Background in latency-sensitive or resource-constrained systems including high-frequency trading, particle physics data acquisition, real-time signal processing, or similar domains
  • Familiarity with functional verification methodologies (for example SystemVerilog, UVM, Cocotb)
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in EE, CS, Physics, or related field, or equivalent depth through industry or research experience

The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.
Salary Range
$200,000-$225,000 USD
About Us
IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we've been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.

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