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Founding Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Qualcomm

CI Infrastructure Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering General Summary: We are looking for an experienced CI Infrastructure Engineer to own and evolve the continuous integration (CI ...

CoVar

Software Engineer

Durham, NC

Software Engineer About CoVar CoVar is a small, mission-driven AI/ML R&D software company based in ... We build advanced software and machine learning systems that help the Department of Defense detect ...

DPR Construction

MLOps Engineer

Raleigh, NC

We are looking for aMLOps Engineerto join our team and contribute to developing robust data solutionsto support our Machine Learning,Data Science, Data Engineering and Software Engineering. Position ...

Telus Digital

Senior Google CX Engineer (GECX)

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$116K - $146K/yr

Active Google Cloud Professional Certifications such as Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Machine Learning Engineer, or Professional Data Engineer. * Practical expertise with Google Customer ...

DPR Construction

MLOps Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are looking for a MLOps Engineer to join our team and contribute to developing robust data solutions to support our Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Engineering and Software Engineering.

Pwc

CTIO AI Engineering Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$73K - $244K/yr

Those in data science and machine learning engineering at PwC will focus on leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to extract insights from large datasets and drive data-driven ...

Western Governors University

Staff AI Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$161K - $249K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning, Math, or a related field. Master's Degree strongly preferred. * 7+ years of experience in software ...

New

Western Governors University

Staff AI Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$161K - $249K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning, Math, or a related field. Master's Degree strongly preferred. * 7+ years of experience in software ...

New

Western Governors University

Staff AI Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$161K - $249K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning, Math, or a related field. Master's Degree strongly preferred. * 7+ years of experience in software ...

New

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All JobsFounding Machine Learning Engineer JobsFounding Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Founding Machine Learning Engineer information

See Durham, NC salary details

$30.4K

$124.4K

$187K

How much do founding machine learning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for founding machine learning engineer in Durham, NC is $124,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,100.00 and $149,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Founding Machine Learning Engineer?

A Founding Machine Learning Engineer is one of the first technical team members at a startup who specializes in designing, building, and deploying machine learning systems. This role involves working closely with the founders to set the technical direction, build core AI products, and establish best practices for data and model development. In addition to hands-on coding and experimentation, a Founding Machine Learning Engineer often influences product decisions and helps shape the company's engineering culture. The role typically requires a blend of deep technical expertise, startup agility, and a willingness to tackle both high-level strategy and low-level engineering tasks.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A founding machine learning engineer at top tech companies or successful startups can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including base salary, bonuses, and equity. Such roles typically require advanced skills in deep learning, data modeling, and experience with large-scale systems, along with a strong track record of innovation and leadership.

What are some unique challenges and expectations for a Founding Machine Learning Engineer in an early-stage startup?

As a Founding Machine Learning Engineer, you'll face the unique challenge of building the company's machine learning infrastructure from the ground up, often with limited resources and rapidly evolving requirements. You'll be expected to wear many hats, from designing and deploying models to setting up data pipelines and collaborating closely with product and engineering teams. Your role will also involve making critical decisions about technology stacks and best practices that will shape the company's technical direction. Additionally, you'll have significant influence on the company's culture and have ample opportunities for growth as the team expands.

What is a founding ML engineer?

A founding machine learning engineer is a key technical team member involved in building and developing the company's initial machine learning systems and infrastructure. They typically have strong skills in programming, data modeling, and deploying ML models, often working closely with product teams during the startup or early-stage company formation. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial mindset to shape the company's AI capabilities from the ground up.

Is a machine learning engineer still in demand?

Yes, machine learning engineers are in high demand due to the increasing adoption of AI and data-driven solutions across industries. They are sought after for their skills in algorithms, programming, and tools like Python and TensorFlow, with job growth expected to continue as AI applications expand.

Which 5 jobs will survive AI?

Founding Machine Learning Engineers are likely to continue playing a crucial role as AI advances, focusing on developing and deploying complex models that require specialized skills in programming, data science, and system architecture. Jobs that involve high levels of creativity, strategic decision-making, and human interaction—such as healthcare professionals, educators, skilled trades, and roles in management—are also expected to persist despite AI automation. These positions typically require emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability that AI cannot easily replicate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Founding Machine Learning Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founding Machine Learning Engineer, you need deep expertise in machine learning algorithms, software engineering, and data science, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Python, TensorFlow or PyTorch, cloud platforms, and experience deploying ML models in production are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, entrepreneurial mindset, and excellent communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are vital for driving innovation, building scalable solutions from scratch, and collaborating within a fast-paced startup environment.
What are popular job titles related to Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Durham, NC? For Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Founding Machine Learning Engineer job openings:
Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, AI/Machine Learning, 2026 Start

Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, AI/Machine Learning, 2026 Start

Google

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Google is one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of ML and AI technology. They are seeking a Software Engineer to develop next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect and interact with information. The role involves collaborating on advanced ML systems, optimizing performance, and elevating engineering excellence.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate or lead on team projects to carry out design, analysis, and development of advanced ML systems across the stack using your research expertise.
• Support building end-to-end ML Systems that involves working across the full stack, from low-level hardware acceleration and compiler optimizations to high-level model architecture and production APIs, transforming your research expertise into robust, scalable products.
• Optimize complex system performance by analyzing and fixing performance bottlenecks, memory inefficiencies, and errors in production systems to meet stringent customer goals.
• Elevate engineering excellence by writing well-tested code, conducting code reviews and fostering a culture of quality by advocating best engineering practices.
Qualifications:
Required:
• PhD degree in Computer Science, ML/AI, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience coding in one of the following programming languages including but not limited to: Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript or Golang.
• Experience in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence.
Preferred:
• Research experience in designing, developing, or applying ML/AI systems or applications in a large-scale distributed environment.
• Experience in designing, training, or refining complex ML/AI models.
• Experience in deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow/Jax/Pytorch.
• Experience in building a stack for an AI-powered application, including data ingestion and processing pipelines, building APIs, and connecting the model to a user-facing interface.
• Familiarity with model architectures (CNNs, NLP Transformers, Diffusion/Vision Transformers).
• Availability to start full-time role in 2026.
Company:
Google specializes in internet-related services and products, including search, advertising, and software. It is a sub-organization of Alphabet. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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Hours and flexibility

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