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Freelance Data Science Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Lead AI and Data Science Engineer II

Richmond, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Lead AI and Data Science Engineer II Drive the design and delivery of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions that inform Talent ...

Conduct data exploration, feature engineering, model training, validation, testing, and performance ... Strong proficiency in Python and experience with modern data science and engineering frameworks.

Director, Data Science

Arlington, VA · Remote

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with engineering, product, UX, and business leaders to prioritize ideas, launch MVPs, iterate rapidly, and deliver measurable business value. * Lead a team of data scientists, driving ...

Data Science SME

Quantico, VA · On-site

$119K - $133K/yr

As a Data Science Subject Matter Expert with JCTM you will provide technical expertise and ... Collaborate with data engineers software developers cloud engineers operational planners and other ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Data Science Engineer information

What is a freelance data science engineer?

A Freelance Data Science Engineer is a professional who works independently on a contract or project basis to help organizations analyze complex data, build data pipelines, and develop machine learning models. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers typically work with multiple clients, offering their expertise in data wrangling, statistical analysis, and algorithm development as needed. They may assist with everything from data preprocessing to deploying data-driven solutions, often working remotely and with flexible schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance data science engineers when managing multiple client projects simultaneously?

Freelance data science engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization particularly challenging. Balancing diverse client expectations, shifting project scopes, and overlapping deadlines requires strong organizational skills and clear communication. Additionally, freelancers must ensure data security and confidentiality across different clients, adapting to various data infrastructures and collaboration tools. Building a structured workflow and setting realistic timelines are key strategies to handle these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance data science engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Data Science Engineer, you need a solid background in statistics, programming (typically Python or R), and data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with machine learning libraries (like TensorFlow or scikit-learn), cloud platforms (such as AWS or GCP), and data visualization tools is highly valuable. Strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills set top freelancers apart by enabling effective client collaboration and clear presentation of findings. These competencies are crucial for delivering actionable insights, managing diverse projects independently, and building lasting client relationships.

What is the difference between Freelance Data Science Engineer vs Data Analyst?

AspectFreelance Data Science EngineerData Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in data science, computer science, or related fields; certifications like Python, R, or cloud platforms are commonUsually holds a degree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields; certifications may include Excel, SQL, or Tableau
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based work often remote; collaborates with clients across industriesOften employed within organizations or agencies; may work on ongoing internal projects
Industry UsageCommonly hired for complex data modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics projectsFocuses on data reporting, visualization, and basic analysis to support business decisions

While both roles involve working with data, Freelance Data Science Engineers typically handle advanced analytics and machine learning projects independently, whereas Data Analysts focus on interpreting data through reports and visualizations within organizations.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Data Science Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Data Science Engineer job openings:

Lead Machine Learning / Data Science Engineer

CapTech Consulting

Richmond, VA • On-site

$55.25 - $73/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

CapTech is an award-winning consulting firm that collaborates with clients to achieve what's possible through the power of technology. At CapTech, we're passionate about the work we do and the results we achieve for our clients. From the outset, our founders shared a collective passion to create a consultancy centered on strong relationships that would stand the test of time. Today we work alongside clients that include Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized enterprises, and government agencies, a list that spans across the country.

Job Description

CapTech Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing data-driven solutions for our clients, with a specific focus on building and deploying scalable machine learning systems in enterprise environments. CapTech employees enjoy a collaborative environment and have many opportunities to learn from and share knowledge with other CapTech analysts, architects, and our clients.

Specific responsibilities for the Lead Machine Learning Engineer position include:

  • Strategizing with clients, data scientists, engineers, and other members of cross-functional teams to implement end-to-end machine learning solutions and identify new machine learning and data science approaches to meet business needs
  • Provide technical leadership and collaborate within and across teams to ensure that the overall technical solution is aligned with the customer needs. 
  • Deconstructing client needs into data-driven processes/models and analytical measures.
  • Analyzing and transforming large datasets hosted on a variety of enterprise-level data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Designing, developing, and deploying advanced analytical solutions leveraging client data (e.g., recommender systems, natural language processing, risk scoring).
  • Productionizing ML systems with a focus on optimization and scalability to satisfy clients' requirements.
  • Growing CapTech's Machine Learning and Data Science practices through delivering client presentations, writing proposals, attending various business development events, and leading teams of junior data scientists and engineers.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experiencedelivering data engineering and machine learning solutionson cloudplatforms 
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience providing technical leadership and mentoring other engineers in data engineering space 
  • Hands-on experience manipulating and analyzing large (multi-billion record) data sets.
  • Hands-on experience developing data-driven solutions using Python, Scala, or similar languages.
  • Proficiency leveraging SQL, Spark, NoSQL, and/or cloud data processing frameworks in a production setting.
  • Proficiency with containerization (e.g., Docker) and microservices.
  • Proficiency with data warehousing tools/environments such as Snowflake, Databricks, Azure SQL, Amazon RDS
  • Comfort and proficiency in framing data-driven problems from cross-industry business requirements.
  • Experience applying analytical methods across multiple business domains (e.g., customer analytics, marketing, finance, digital channels)
  • Hands-on experience implementing production-scale machine learning systems in one or more domains (i.e., personalization, natural language processing, computer vision).
  • Knowledge of DevOps and automation best practices.
  • Knowledge of statistics and statistical modeling methods.
  • Knowledge of model management and model versioning best practices.
  • Experience working with LLMs (e.g., GPT, Claude, Mistral, etc.) in production setting 
  • Experience with prompt engineering, MCP and RAG, and agentic AI architectures 
  • Strong understanding of conversational UX and prompt evaluation metrics 
  • Experience with agentic frameworks in practice (langchain, n8n, pydantic, etc.)
  • Experience with multi-agent orchestration
Additional Information

We want everyone at CapTech to be able to envision a lasting and rewarding career here, which is why we offer a variety of career paths based on your skills and passions.  You decide where and how you want to develop, and we help get you there with customizable career progression and a comprehensive benefits package to support you along the way.  Alongside our suite of traditional benefits encompassing generous PTO, health coverage, disability insurance, paid family leave and more, we've launched extended benefits to help meet our employees' needs. 

  • CapTech is committed to providing a flexible work environment and helping our employees achieve a work-life balance that suits their individual needs. Employees must be available to work onsite in a client location or a CapTech office as requested. We allow CapTech employees to work remotely when compatible with CapTech and client needs. 
  • Learning & Development - Programs offering certification and tuition support, digital on-demand learning courses, mentorship, and skill development paths
  • Modern Health -A mental health and well-being platform that provides 1:1 care, group support sessions, and self-serve resources to support employees and their families through life's ups and downs
  • Carrot Fertility -Inclusive fertility and family-forming coverage for all paths to parenthood - including adoption, surrogacy, fertility treatments, pregnancy, and more - and opportunities for employer-sponsored funds to help pay for care
  • Fringe -A company paid stipend program for personalized lifestyle benefits, allowing employees to choose benefits that matter most to them - ranging from vendors like Netflix, Spotify, and GrubHub to services like student loan repayment, travel, fitness, and more
  • Employee Resource Groups - Employee-led committees that embrace and incorporate diversity and inclusion into our day-to-day operations
  • Philanthropic Partnerships - Opportunities to engage in partnerships and pro-bono projects that support our communities. 
  • 401(k) Matching - Generous matching and no vesting period to help you continue to build financial wellness

CapTech is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culture of equality, inclusion and fairness - each foundational to our core values.  We strive to create a diverse environment where each employee is encouraged to bring their unique ideas, backgrounds and experiences to the workplace. For more information about our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging efforts, click HERE.  As part of this commitment, CapTech will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Laura Massa directly via email [email protected].

At this time, CapTech cannot transfer nor sponsor a work visa for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work directly for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship.