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Data Annotation Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

... data annotation and quality validation activities * Maintain accurate operational records and logs Continuous Improvement * Provide feedback on robot performance and usability * Assist engineering ...

Staff Front End Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

$172K - $229K/yr

Motional is seeking a Staff Front End Engineer expert for its Web Visualization Tooling team. This ... Collaborate closely with ML, frontend, UX, data services, data mining, and data annotation teams to ...

As a Prompt Engineer, you will be a key member of our AI development team, responsible for ... Solid knowledge of data collection, preprocessing, and annotation for prompt development.

... annotation workflows, and synthetic data generation. * Analyze and benchmark model outputs for ... Partner with engineers to translate research prototypes into production-grade services and APIs ...

... annotation workflows, and synthetic data generation. * Analyze and benchmark model outputs for ... Partner with engineers to translate research prototypes into production-grade services and APIs ...

Strong programming skills in SAS , with R experience beneficial for data analysis, programming, and statistical workflows. Strong documentation skills, including code annotation, traceability, and ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

... data into useful features for classification algorithms, as well as implement the latest technology ... Ability to work with taxonomy experts to create and validate dataset annotation * Use well-formed ...

... data into useful features for classification algorithms, as well as implement the latest technology ... Ability to work with taxonomy experts to create and validate dataset annotation * Use well-formed ...

... data into useful features for classification algorithms, as well as implement the latest technology ... Ability to work with taxonomy experts to create and validate dataset annotation * Use well-formed ...

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Showing results 1-20

Data Annotation Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$51.6K

$147.8K

$197.5K

How much do data annotation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for data annotation engineer in Pennsylvania is $147,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $196,500.00 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 as a data annotation engineer?

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.

What is a data annotation engineer?

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 Pennsylvania? For Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Data Annotation Engineer jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Data Annotation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Annotation Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,815 per year, or $71.1 per hour.

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Lead Verification and Validation Engineer

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a talented, experienced, organized, and a highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division within the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will lead our Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and Data Curation Center of Excellence. This team serves as the foundation for effective machine learning-building, curating, and governing the data that directly determines whether AI/ML models succeed in operationally relevant environments. This position can be filled in State College, PA or Reston, VA.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Serve as the technical lead for the IV&V and Data Curation Center of Excellence, setting priorities, defining standards, and driving the team's technical direction
  • Mentor, guide, and coordinate a team of engineers performing data labeling, annotation, curation, and IV&V across multiple data modalities
  • Establish and evolve annotation standards, labeling guidelines, data governance frameworks, and quality assurance processes to ensure consistency and reproducibility at scale
  • Design and oversee data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, quality control, and cataloging of classified and open-source data
  • Lead IV&V efforts on datasets and model outputs, defining acceptance criteria and fitness-for-use standards
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between the data curation team and research scientists, algorithm developers, and program stakeholders to translate data needs into actionable plans
  • Present findings, status, and recommendations to leadership and sponsors through well-constructed briefings, papers, and technical artifacts
  • Evaluate and introduce tools, platforms, and best practices for annotation (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio), data versioning, and metadata management
  • Drive automation of manual data analysis and curation processes to improve efficiency and scalability
  • Architect and maintain data catalogs, metadata schemas, and access-controlled repositories that make curated datasets discoverable and accessible to the broader research team
  • Work within an Agile development environment within a large research team

Required Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Extensive experience designing and managing data curation, annotation, or IV&V workflows for AI/ML systems
  • Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals, including how data quality, labeling strategies, and dataset composition impact model training, evaluation, and deployment
  • Strong proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, pipeline development, and analysis
  • Experience with data annotation tools and platforms (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio, or equivalent)
  • Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Prior experience leading or managing a technical team
  • Experience working with DoD or Intelligence Community data, workflows, or operational environments
  • Familiarity with geospatial data formats (shapefiles, GeoJSON, AIS), imagery/FMV exploitation, or signals data processing
  • Experience with data versioning tools (e.g., DVC, LakeFS) or data catalog platforms
  • Knowledge of IV&V methodologies and test and evaluation practices for data-driven systems
  • Experience with containerized development environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
  • Master's degree or higher in a relevant field
  • Current eligibility to access classified information at the Top Secret/ SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to updated clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully-on site located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science19+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $168,000.00 - $318,840.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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