1

Freelance Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in California

Description Apple's Video Computer Vision (VCV) Face and Body technologies team is looking for a skilled Machine Learning Engineer with experience developing ML models for computer vision and ...

Description Apple's Video Computer Vision (VCV) Face and Body technologies team is looking for a skilled Machine Learning Engineer with experience developing ML models for computer vision and ...

We're looking for an exceptional Machine Learning Engineer to help build the systems that make this possible. In this role, you'll develop models, signals and evaluation frameworks that power ...

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, building, and scaling advanced software systems to automate Design for Manufacturing analysis. Responsibilities : • ...

Position Overview We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to be responsible for designing and implementing cutting-edge reinforcement learning algorithms, conducting experiments, and ...

Machine Learning Engineer About Latent Health Healthcare today is only truly personalized for two groups: those with wealth and access, and those with physicians in their immediate family. For ...

$160 - $190/hr

We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and help us push the boundaries of what's possible in smart manufacturing. In this role, you will design, build, train, and deploy ...

They are seeking Machine Learning Engineers to build their platform for training, evaluating, and deploying interpretable AI systems at scale, contributing to core technology and product features.

Who We're Looking For As a Machine Learning Engineer in Delivery, you are a problem solver who stays anchored to impact. You are someone who can grasp advanced engineering concepts across multiple ...

They are seeking Machine Learning Engineers to build their platform for training, evaluating, and deploying interpretable AI systems at scale, contributing to the development of key technologies and ...

BeeGenius is building the future of work, and they are seeking an AI/Machine Learning Engineer to join their team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing machine ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Machine Learning Engineer information

See California salary details

$14

$47

$130

How much do freelance machine learning engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance machine learning engineer in California is $47.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance machine learning engineer do?

A Freelance Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and implements machine learning models and algorithms for clients on a project basis. They work independently to analyze data, build predictive models, and help businesses solve complex problems using AI and machine learning techniques. Their responsibilities may also include data preprocessing, model evaluation, and deploying solutions into production environments. Freelance Machine Learning Engineers often collaborate remotely with teams and must manage their own schedules and client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance machine learning engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Machine Learning Engineer, you need expertise in programming (especially Python), a solid grasp of machine learning algorithms, and a relevant academic background such as a degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering. Familiarity with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), and experience with version control systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving, self-management, and client communication skills help set successful freelancers apart. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective solutions, managing projects independently, and building client trust in a competitive market.

How do freelance machine learning engineers typically manage client expectations and project scopes?

Freelance machine learning engineers often work with clients who may not have a deep technical understanding of AI or data science. A common challenge is clearly defining the project scope and deliverables at the outset, ensuring both parties understand what is feasible given the data, time, and budget constraints. Successful freelancers use regular progress updates, milestone-based deliverables, and transparent communication to manage expectations and avoid scope creep. Building trust through clear documentation and setting realistic timelines also helps foster long-term client relationships.

What is the difference between Freelance Machine Learning Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectFreelance Machine Learning EngineerData Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science, data science, or related fields; certifications in machine learning or AI are a plusUsually holds a degree in statistics, data science, or related areas; certifications in data analysis or visualization are common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based work often remotely for various clientsOften employed full-time in organizations or consulting roles, sometimes freelance
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare, and startups for deploying ML modelsApplied in research, analytics, and strategic decision-making across industries

Freelance Machine Learning Engineers focus on developing and deploying ML models independently for diverse clients, while Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights, often working within organizations. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their work scope and environment differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California? For Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Machine Learning Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Machine Learning Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,931 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Our team delivers algorithms that power Apple Vision Pro's Eyesight, Persona and other VisionOS technologies. In this position, you will be part of our extraordinary team of Computer Graphics, Computer Vision and Deep Learning researchers and engineers to discover and build solutions to previously-unsolved challenges in human representation and motion impacting millions of users.
Description
Apple's Video Computer Vision (VCV) Face and Body technologies team is looking for a skilled Machine Learning Engineer with experience developing ML models for computer vision and graphics applications. We are actively involved in the whole ML cycle from data collection design and data processing to model design and experiments to validation and QA in the wild. We perform applied research development to adapt state-of-the-art methods or implement new methods to ship features on visionOS and iOS platforms. In this role, you will work closely with other ML engineers as well as data and software engineers both internally and multi-functionally.
Minimum Qualifications
Software engineering skills and proficiency in Python
Experience with PyTorch
Independent problem solving skills
BS degree and 10+ years of experience
Preferred Qualifications
Passion for delivering high quality features to large groups of diverse end-users
Excellent communication and experience working with multi-functional teams
Self-motivated with proven track record to optimally prioritize and deliver tasks on schedule
MS degree in computer vision, computer graphics, machine learning or related field
PhD in computer vision, computer graphics, machine learning, computer science, computer engineering or related fields.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976