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Data Annotation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Arrive Logistics

Data Scientist II

Chicago, IL · On-site

Who We Want The Data Scientist II will work closely with Data Science, Product, and Engineering to ... Experience designing data annotation workflows, labeling guidelines, or label quality processes is ...

Arrive Logistics

Data Scientist II

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Who We Want The Data Scientist II will work closely with Data Science, Product, and Engineering to ... Experience designing data annotation workflows, labeling guidelines, or label quality processes is ...

Alignerr

Computer Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $60/hr

Prior experience with data annotation, data quality, or evaluation systems * Proficiency in engineering software concepts (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB, ANSYS) to evaluate AI-generated code or workflows.

Epitec

Data Scientist 2

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$60 - $63/hr

Python-focused developer supporting a machine learning annotation platform used in autonomous vehicle development * Work on tools that transform raw sensor data (images, 2D/3D data, and point cloud ...

Moffitt

RESEARCH SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Chicago, IL

$211K/yr

... data. Design and optimize databases and platforms for seamless access and annotation. Develop ... Engineer Data Excellence: Architect and manage secure, high-performance databases-your work will ...

All JobsData Annotation Engineer JobsData Annotation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Data Annotation Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$49.9K

$142.9K

$190.9K

How much do data annotation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for data annotation engineer in Illinois is $142,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $189,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by Data Annotation Engineers in their daily work?

One of the main challenges Data Annotation Engineers face is ensuring consistent accuracy and quality in labeling large and often complex datasets. Attention to detail is critical, as even small errors can significantly affect machine learning model performance. Additionally, engineers must frequently adapt to evolving annotation guidelines and emerging data types, which requires ongoing learning and flexibility. Collaboration with data scientists and project managers is common to clarify requirements and resolve ambiguities, making strong communication skills essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Data Annotation Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Annotation Engineer, you need a strong background in data analysis, attention to detail, and familiarity with annotation processes, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with annotation tools like Labelbox, CVAT, or VIA, and understanding of data formats used in machine learning, is commonly required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills help you effectively manage projects and cooperate with cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality labeled data, which directly impacts the performance of AI and machine learning models.

Is data annotation real or fake?

Data annotation is a real and essential process in machine learning where human annotators label data such as images, text, or audio to train AI models. Data annotation engineers perform this work using specialized tools and quality standards to ensure accurate and reliable datasets.

What is a data annotation engineer?

A data annotation engineer is a professional responsible for labeling and annotating data, such as images, text, or videos, to train machine learning models. They often use specialized tools and follow guidelines to ensure data quality and accuracy, supporting AI development and data-driven applications.

How hard is it to get a job with data annotation tech?

Getting a job as a Data Annotation Engineer typically requires basic computer skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with annotation tools or platforms. Entry-level positions are often accessible with minimal formal education, but having knowledge of machine learning concepts or experience with data labeling can improve job prospects.

Does data annotation really pay you?

Data annotation engineers are typically paid for their work, often earning hourly wages or project-based fees depending on the employer or platform. Compensation varies based on experience, skill level, and the complexity of annotation tasks, which may involve using tools like labeling software or AI platforms.

What is a Data Annotation Engineer job?

A Data Annotation Engineer is responsible for labeling and annotating data—such as text, images, audio, or video—to train machine learning models. They ensure that data is accurately categorized and structured to improve model performance. This role often involves using specialized annotation tools, following detailed guidelines, and working closely with data scientists and AI teams. Data Annotation Engineers play a crucial role in the development of AI applications by providing high-quality labeled datasets for supervised learning.

What are popular job titles related to Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Data Annotation Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Data Annotation Engineer job openings:
Data Annotation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Annotation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,893 per year, or $68.7 per hour.
Software Engineer (ML Data & Annotation Pipelines)

Software Engineer (ML Data & Annotation Pipelines)

Diversified Services Network, Inc.

Mossville, IL • On-site

$83K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Diversified Services Network, Inc. (DSN) is seeking a full-time Software Engineer – ML Data & Annotation Pipelines to join our team fully onsite in Mossville, IL! We offer full benefits, PTO, 401k, and more! If you are a Python-savvy engineer excited about building software tools that support autonomous vehicle machine learning workflows, improving user experiences, and leveraging modern AI-assisted development practices within an extremely reputable, stable Fortune 500 company — let’s talk!

Position Overview

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Annotation Team, fully on-site in Mossville, IL. This is a new addition to the team, offering hands-on exposure to the full annotation workflow for autonomous vehicles, from raw sensor data (rosbags) through 2D/3D labeling and machine learning dataset preparation.

You will primarily develop and enhance tooling used by teams creating training data for autonomous vehicle machine learning systems. Success in this role requires strong Python development skills combined with the ability to design intuitive user experiences, understand how end users interact with software, and proactively identify improvements that increase efficiency and usability. You will work across the stack, contributing to Python backend development, browser-based UI enhancements, annotation workflow improvements, and integrations between internal tools and machine learning data pipelines.

This role is ideal for a software engineer who enjoys building tools for other users and is passionate about creating intuitive, efficient experiences that improve how teams work.

Key Contributions & Responsibilities
  • Integrate the rosbag-to-COCO conversion pipeline into existing workflows.
  • Implement 2D → 3D projection mapping to integrate the auto-annotation pipeline.
  • Maintain and enhance the UI/UX for viewing 2D/3D annotations in CVAT (Computer Vision Annotation Tool).
  • Support model updates to the annotation pipeline, including the ability to swap out models as needed.
  • Build and maintain CI/CD infrastructure; work with data in AWS using push/pull workflows.
  • Add and update APIs to query from the CVAT REST API.
  • Collaborate via GitHub — creating pull requests, participating in code reviews, and writing design documentation.
  • Design and implement features that improve the efficiency, usability, and overall user experience of the annotation platform.
  • Partner with annotation users to understand workflows, gather feedback, and translate requirements into practical software solutions.
  • Anticipate user needs and identify opportunities to improve tooling before requirements are explicitly requested.
Team Structure & Work Environment
  • Your primary team consists of 8 individuals (1 Lead and 7 Developers); the project also involves collaborative development with 2 additional resources from another team. You will attend Annotation Team standups every other day, a weekly CVAT Team meeting, and project-related meetings as needed, with the remainder of your time dedicated to development.
  • Work involves a mix of independent feature development and paired code reviews, with regular collaboration through GitHub PRs, design doc discussions, and in-person or remote meetings.

Requirements

Education & Experience
  • 2–4 years of relevant experience required. Bachelor’s degree required.
Top 3 Skills
  • Python — core language for application development, workflow automation, platform enhancements, and integration work.
  • User-centered software development — ability to understand how users interact with tools and translate requirements into intuitive, efficient workflows.
  • Agentic coding best practices — experience leveraging AI-assisted development tools to accelerate software delivery, iteration, and problem solving.
Required Technical Skills
  • Python development experience.
  • Experience with annotation workflows, machine learning data pipelines, or adjacent software platforms supporting ML development.
  • Proficiency with Git/GitHub, including pull requests, code reviews, and branching workflows.
  • Experience developing user-facing applications, interfaces, dashboards, or internal productivity tools.
  • Ability to gather user requirements and translate them into functional software solutions.
Desired Technical Skills
  • JavaScript development experience.
  • Experience with CVAT or similar annotation tools.
  • Familiarity with ROS/rosbag data formats and knowledge of the COCO dataset format.
  • Experience with 3D object detection, image processing, computer vision workflows, or related technologies.
  • Experience building tools used by technical end users.
  • Familiarity with coordinate transforms (e.g., 2D → 3D projection).
  • Experience working with image visualization, image processing, or annotation-related applications.
  • AWS, Docker, API development, and CI/CD experience.
Required Soft Skills
  • Strong communication and product-thinking skills — able to understand user workflows, gather requirements, anticipate future needs, and translate feedback into practical software solutions.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborative mindset — comfortable working in small teams, giving and receiving code review feedback.
  • Problem-solving orientation — able to debug complex software and pipeline issues and propose creative solutions.
Desired Soft Skills
  • Comfort presenting technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proactive in identifying process improvements and suggesting enhancements.
  • Ability to see a solution beyond communicated requirements — focusing on how it will be used rather than simply whether it met requirements.

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Holidays

Please follow the link to our website for a list of job openings in Engineering, IT, Project Management, and more! https://www.dsnworldwide.com

Compensation: $98,000 - $103,000 per year