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Founding Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Hillsborough, NC

CoVar

Machine Learning Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

The Machine Learning Engineer will develop software and machine learning algorithms to address real-world customer issues and will have opportunities to present their work to high-level customers.

CoVar

Machine Learning Engineer

Durham, NC

Machine Learning Engineer About CoVar CoVar is a small AI/ML R&D software company in Durham, NC, that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems that matter. We develop AI/ML tools to help the ...

CoVar

Machine Learning Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

... machine learning, Bayesian models, etc. • B.S., preferably M.S. or Ph.D in engineering, math, computer science, or related field • Excellent technical communication skills • Ability to work in ...

Compunnel

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to help lead the design and validation of AI-driven product capabilities within the legal domain. This role focuses on defining what to build and why ...

Compunnel

Machine Learning Engineer Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Job Summary The Machine Learning Engineer Lead will define and lead the architecture of scalable AI/ML and agentic systems across the global product portfolio. This senior technical leadership role ...

RELX Group plc

Machine Learning Engineer Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$115K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Lead to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products. This ...

RELX

Machine Learning Engineer Lead

Raleigh, NC

$115K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Lead to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products. This ...

LexisNexis

Machine Learning Engineer Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$115K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Lead to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products. This ...

LexisNexis

Machine Learning Engineer Lead

Raleigh, NC

$115K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Lead to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products. This ...

LexisNexis

Machine Learning Engineer Lead

Raleigh, NC

$115K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Lead to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products. This ...

LexisNexis

Senior Machine Learning Engineer III

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$118K - $219K/yr

Are you looking to develop your Machine Learning Engineer career? Do you enjoy coaching others to achieve high standards? This is a full-time position based in Raleigh, NC. (Hybrid - 3 days in office ...

RELX

Principal Machine Learning Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$136K - $252K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products.

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Showing results 1-20

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

Founding Machine Learning Engineer information

See Hillsborough, NC salary details

$26.6K

$108.9K

$163.6K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for founding machine learning engineer in Hillsborough, NC is $108,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $131,000.00 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 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 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.

Are founding machine learning engineers still in demand?

Founding machine learning engineers remain in high demand as companies seek to develop AI-driven products and services. They often require strong skills in deep learning, data modeling, and proficiency with tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch, with demand driven by growth in AI applications across industries.

How much does a founding machine learning engineer make?

A founding machine learning engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Equity and bonuses may also be part of the compensation package, especially in startup environments where they play a significant role in total earnings.

What cities near Hillsborough, NC are hiring for Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hillsborough, NC with the most Founding Machine Learning Engineer job openings:

Founding Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founding Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Hillsborough, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,860 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

CoVar

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
CoVar is a small AI/ML R&D software company in Durham, NC, that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems that matter. The Machine Learning Engineer will develop software and machine learning algorithms to address real-world customer issues and will have opportunities to present their work to high-level customers.
Responsibilities:
• help CoVar develop software and machine learning algorithms to solve real-world customer problems
• work with data, develop algorithms, evaluate results, and write the production code that goes onto real-world systems
• present your work to high-level customers in the DoD and in the industry
• publish novel work in both classified and unclassified settings
Qualifications:
Required:
• Expertise in Python (including NumPy, pandas, and other packages)
• Experience with either PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals (gradient descent, cross-validation, ROC curves, confusion matrices)
• Knowledge of classical machine learning (e.g., support-vector-machines, logistic regression)
• Familiarity with computer vision algorithms like object detection networks (e.g., YOLO, CenterNet) and modern image classification techniques
• B.S., preferably M.S. or Ph.D in engineering, math, computer science, or related field
• Excellent technical communication skills
• Ability to work in Durham, NC (relocation assistance available)
• Eligibility for US security clearance (US citizenship is required)
Preferred:
• Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art in computer vision
• Department of Defense project experience
• Active US security clearance (secret or higher)
Company:
CoVar is a leader in machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions. Founded in 2011, the company is headquartered in Mclean, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

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