Director Machine Learning Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CoOp Student - Machine Learning & Applied AI

Location: Hybrid - Minimum 3 days per week onsite (Vernon Hills, IL)
Duration: CoOp Term (6-8 months)
Department: Automation & Emerging Technology
Reports To: Emerging Technologies Leader
Candidate Level: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhDtrack students

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Machine Learning & Applied AI CoOp Student to join our Automation & Emerging Technology team. This role is ideal for students who want handson ownership of realworld machine learning experiments in a fastmoving, startuplike environment within a large enterprise.

The coop will focus on applied machine learning, datadriven experimentation, and model evaluation, with opportunities to explore Generative AI and large language models where they meaningfully support MLdriven use cases. Rather than production maintenance or traditional automation work, this role emphasizes problem framing, experimentation, and measurable impact.

This position follows a hybrid work model, with a minimum of three (3) days per week onsite at our Vernon Hills, IL office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead machine learning experiments endtoend, including:
  • Problem definition and hypothesis development
  • Data exploration and feature engineering
  • Model prototyping, training, and evaluation
  • Iteration based on quantitative results
• Develop and evaluate ML models using enterprise datasets for use cases such as:
  • Prediction and classification
  • Pattern detection and insight generation
  • Decision support and optimization
• Apply sound experimental design and evaluation techniques, including:
  • Train/validation/test strategies
  • Baseline comparisons
  • Error analysis and model diagnostics
• Use Databricks for data analysis, experimentation, and scalable ML workflows
• Define and track success metrics, such as:
  • Model accuracy, precision/recall, and robustness
  • Latency, scalability, and cost considerations
  • Business relevance and usability
• Explore applied AI techniques, including Generative AI and LLMs, where appropriate (e.g., summarization, knowledge retrieval, or hybrid ML + LLM solutions)
• Document experiments, assumptions, results, and technical tradeoffs; present findings and demos to technical and business stakeholders
• Apply Responsible AI and data governance practices, including data privacy, security, and bias awareness

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhDtrack program in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field
• Ability to work onsite in Vernon Hills, IL at least three days per week
• Strong proficiency in Python
• Solid understanding of core machine learning concepts, such as:
  • Supervised and unsupervised learning
  • Feature engineering
  • Model evaluation and validation
• Experience with common ML/data libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikitlearn, or similar)
• Experience with AI Tools like Copilot, Copilot GitHub etc.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and operate effectively in ambiguous problem spaces
• Strong analytical thinking and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Handson experience with endtoend ML projects, including experimentation and evaluation
• Familiarity with Databricks or similar data/ML platforms
• Exposure to cloudbased ML workflows (Azure preferred)
• Experience with deep learning or NLP frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face)
• Working knowledge of Generative AI or LLMs as an applied technique (not required)
• Prior internship, research, or applied ML project experience with measurable outcomes

What You'll Gain

• Ownership of real machine learning experiments with direct business visibility
• Experience working in a startuplike, experimentdriven environment inside a large enterprise
• Handson exposure to enterprisescale data and ML workflows using Databricks and Microsoft platforms
• Mentorship from experienced AI and Emerging Technology leaders
• Strong preparation for fulltime roles in Machine Learning Engineering, Applied Data Science, or AI Engineering

Salary Target Range: $28/hr-$30/hr 

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

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