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Contract Machine Learning Startup Jobs in Houston, TX

Machine Learning Tutor

Missouri City, TX ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Machine Learning Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Machine Learning Tutor

Sugar Land, TX ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Machine Learning Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Machine Learning Tutor

Pearland, TX ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Machine Learning Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Machine Learning Tutor

Houston, TX ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Machine Learning Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

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Contract Machine Learning Startup information

See Houston, TX salary details

$28

$46

$94

How much do contract machine learning startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract machine learning startup in Houston, TX is $46.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.23 and $48.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract machine learning startup?

A Contract Machine Learning Startup is a company or team that provides machine learning solutions and services to clients on a contract basis. Instead of developing their own products, these startups typically work with other businesses to build custom machine learning models, analyze data, and help integrate AI technologies into existing workflows. They may offer expertise in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, or predictive analytics, and usually operate on short-term or project-based contracts. This approach allows client companies to access specialized knowledge without hiring full-time data scientists or engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a contract machine learning startup role?

Success in a Contract Machine Learning Startup role generally requires expertise in machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and a solid background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or R, experience with ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, and knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) are typically expected. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication help professionals collaborate with clients and respond to rapidly changing project requirements. These skills and qualities are vital to deliver innovative, scalable solutions in fast-paced, outcome-driven startup environments.

What are some common challenges faced by machine learning professionals working on a contract basis at startups?

Machine learning professionals working as contractors at startups often face challenges such as rapidly changing project scopes, limited access to large datasets, and the need to quickly adapt to new tools and frameworks. Startups typically move fast, so contractors must be comfortable with ambiguity and prioritize delivering value in short timeframes. Additionally, they may need to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as product managers and engineers, to ensure that machine learning solutions align with business goals.

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

AspectContract Machine Learning StartupData Scientist
CredentialsRelevant degrees, certifications in ML/AITypically similar credentials, often with advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentProject-based, startup setting, flexible hoursOffice or remote, corporate or research settings
Employer & IndustryStartups in tech, AI, or data-driven sectorsVaried industries including tech, finance, healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding contract roles in ML startupsExploring data science career options

Contract Machine Learning Startup roles focus on short-term, project-based work within startup environments, often requiring specialized skills in ML and AI. Data Scientists typically work in more established companies or research settings, with similar credentials but often in a full-time capacity. Both roles demand strong technical backgrounds, but contract roles offer flexibility and varied projects, while Data Scientists may have more stability and broader responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Startup jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Machine Learning Startup jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Contract Machine Learning Startup jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Contract Machine Learning Startup job openings:

Machine Learning Internship, Manipulation

Persona AI

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Machine Learning Internship, Manipulation
Department: Robotics Software Engineering
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Houston, TX - Onsite
Who We Are
Persona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona AI's founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, and even roamed Disney Parks. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.
About the Role
We're looking for a Machine Learning Intern (Manipulation) to help build Persona's machine learning models and infrastructure. We are primarily interested in candidates with experience and relevant projects in robot learning, but can be flexible depending on aptitude and energy.
As a Machine Learning Intern at Persona, you will have an incredible opportunity to work with humanoid robots and solve practical problems in the real world.
What You'll Do
  • Work with the ML team to develop and improve machine learning models and the infrastructure.
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of models in the real world.
  • Collaborate on the design and development of the Persona ML software stack and support its application in manipulation, navigation, locomotion, and perception.

What We're Looking For
  • Courage and grit to tackle some of the hardest problems in embodied AI.
  • Enthusiasm for working collaboratively in a high paced team environment.
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks (Pytorch, JAX, TensorFlow, etc.)
  • Experience with cloud computing to develop models, manage data, etc. (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Strong understanding of the state of the art research in robot learning (behavior cloning and reinforcement learning for manipulation, world models, etc.).
  • Understanding of the challenges of deploying neural network models in the real world.
  • Capable of writing high-quality software.
  • Thrive in fast-paced and ambiguous environments.
  • Strong first principles thinker.

Preferred or Bonus Qualifications
  • An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in computer science, robotics, machine learning, or another related field.
  • Published papers at top ML/Robotics conferences (ICML, ICRA, CoRL, RSS, NeurIPS).

Our Internship Program
At Persona AI, our internship program gives you direct, hands-on experience building cutting-edge humanoid robotics alongside industry experts. We offer full-time term opportunities across three upcoming cohorts:
  • Fall 2026: August - December
  • Spring 2027: January - May
  • Summer 2027: May - August

As an intern, you'll be paired 1:1 with a senior engineer mentor to accelerate your growth and guide your technical contributions. You will bond with your cohort through intern group lunches, gain cross-functional perspective during company-wide learning lunches, and unwind with fun team activities throughout the term. Whether you're working on advanced motion planning or real-world system testing, you'll tackle meaningful engineering challenges while immersing yourself in our collaborative startup culture.
Application Review Process
We evaluate applications as they are received rather than waiting for the posted deadline to pass. Positions for each cohort are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the portal will close as soon as all available roles are finalized.
To give yourself the best chance of securing a spot, keep these tips in mind:
  • Apply Early: Submitting your resume as soon as possible ensures your materials are reviewed before interview slots fill up.
  • Cohort Availability: Popular terms-especially Summer 2027-tend to reach capacity quickly.
  • Rolling Interviews: Interviews and candidate evaluations begin immediately upon application receipt.

Persona AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.