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Director Machine Learning Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Director, Data Scientist Data is at the center of everything we do. As a startup, we disrupted the ... Build machine learning models through all phases of development, from design through training ...

Director, Data Scientist Data is at the center of everything we do. As a startup, we disrupted the ... Build machine learning models through all phases of development, from design through training ...

Director, Data Scientist Data is at the center of everything we do. As a startup, we disrupted the ... Build machine learning models through all phases of development, from design through training ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Machine Learning information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$91.1K

$139.8K

How much do director machine learning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director machine learning in Virginia is $91,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director machine learning?

A Director of Machine Learning leads teams in developing and deploying machine learning models to solve business challenges. They define the AI strategy, oversee research, and ensure models are scalable and ethical. This role requires expertise in machine learning, data science, and leadership, as well as collaboration with cross-functional teams. Directors also stay updated on industry advancements and drive innovation within their organizations.

What are the primary responsibilities and challenges faced by a director machine learning on a daily basis?

A Director of Machine Learning is typically responsible for overseeing the development and deployment of machine learning solutions, mentoring technical teams, setting strategic direction for AI initiatives, and ensuring the alignment of projects with organizational goals. Challenges often include balancing innovative research with business priorities, navigating evolving technology landscapes, and coordinating efforts across data science, engineering, and stakeholder teams. This role requires regular collaboration with product managers, executives, and cross-functional departments to prioritize initiatives and communicate complex technical concepts. Successful directors excel at fostering a culture of continuous learning, optimizing team productivity, and staying ahead in a fast-paced, rapidly changing field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director machine learning position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Machine Learning, you need advanced expertise in machine learning, statistics, data science, and leadership, typically supported by a master's or Ph.D. in a related field and several years of relevant industry experience. Familiarity with tools such as Python, TensorFlow or PyTorch, cloud platforms, and data management systems, as well as certifications like AWS Certified Machine Learning or Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, are commonly required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team management skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These capabilities are essential for driving organizational AI initiatives, fostering high-performing teams, and delivering impactful business solutions.

Is a machine learning director a high paying job?

A machine learning director typically earns a high salary due to the specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and experience required for the role. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting the demand for expertise in AI and data science. Salaries can vary based on industry, company size, and location, but generally rank among the higher-paying technology leadership positions.

What does a director of machine learning do?

A director of machine learning oversees the development and implementation of machine learning strategies and projects within an organization. They lead teams of data scientists and engineers, set technical goals, ensure project alignment with business objectives, and often collaborate with other departments to integrate AI solutions using tools like Python, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Machine Learning jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Machine Learning jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Director Machine Learning job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Machine Learning job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,144 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Verification and Validation Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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, detail-oriented, and highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join our Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and Data Curation Center of Excellence in the Information Science Division within the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). 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. You will focus on hands-on work with classified multi-modal data, including imagery/FMV, geospatial and AIS tracks, signals and sensor data, and text-based intelligence reports and develop pipelines, annotation frameworks, and quality assurance processes while gaining deep exposure to state-of-the-art AI/ML research.
ARL is an authorized DoD Skillbridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Label, annotate, and curate multi-modal datasets (imagery/FMV, geospatial, signals, text/documents) to support AI/ML model development and evaluation
  • Design and implement data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, quality control, and cataloging of classified and open-source data
  • Develop and maintain annotation standards, labeling guidelines, and data governance processes to ensure consistency and reproducibility across projects
  • Conduct IV&V of datasets and model outputs to ensure data integrity, label accuracy, and fitness for intended use
  • Collaborate with research scientists, algorithm developers, and program stakeholders to identify, acquire, and prioritize data requirements for specific AI/ML projects
  • Build and maintain data catalogs, metadata schemas, and access-controlled repositories that make curated datasets discoverable and accessible to the broader research team
  • Employ Python, SQL, and annotation platforms (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio) to automate labeling workflows, perform exploratory data analysis, and develop quality metrics
  • Document data provenance, lineage, and known limitations to support model evaluation, reproducibility, and responsible AI practices
  • Collaborate within an Agile development environment as part of 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
  • Proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline development
  • Familiarity with data annotation tools and workflows (e.g., CVAT, Label Studio, or equivalent)
  • Understanding of machine learning concepts, including how data quality impacts model training, evaluation, and deployment

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
  • 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 quality assurance practices for data-driven systems
  • Exposure to containerized development environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the TS/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA or Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 $110,520.00 - $240,960.00. 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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