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Freelance Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

BE Group

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Malvern, PA

$120K - $158K/yr

We are assisting our client in hiring for a Senior Machine Learning Engineer. Our client is an established SaaS company serving banks, credit unions, and fintechs. Their cloud-based platform helps ...

Vanguard

Machine Learning Engineer, Specialist

Malvern, PA

$112K - $134K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to join our AI/ML Engineering team. You will be responsible for developing and optimizing complex data pipelines, integrating model pipelines ...

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Freelance Machine Learning Engineer information

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance machine learning engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $45.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.22 and $59.04 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 Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Freelance Machine Learning Engineer job openings:

Freelance Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you

Machine Learning Engineer[C2C/W2 ROLE]

SmartIPlace

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer [w2 role]

Location: Philadelphia, PA (Onsite – 4 days/week at 1800 Arch Street)
Alternate location: Reston, VA (for strong candidates)
Duration: Contract
Eligibility: USC, GC

Job Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Machine Learning Engineer with 5+ years of experience who can design, build, and deploy scalable machine learning solutions. This role requires strong coding expertise and real-world experience delivering models into production environments. The ideal candidate is not a manager but an individual contributor who thrives in a fast-paced, engineering-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Model Development: Design, build, train, and fine-tune machine learning and deep learning models for real-world use cases
  • Production Deployment: Deploy, monitor, and maintain ML models in production environments
  • Data Pipeline Development: Build and optimize scalable data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and processing
  • Performance Optimization: Evaluate models using metrics like accuracy, recall, and AUC; optimize for performance and scalability
  • Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including data engineers, software engineers, and business stakeholders

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience as a Machine Learning Engineer or similar role
  • Strong Python programming skills with solid software engineering fundamentals
  • Recent and hands-on experience with PySpark (mandatory)
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks such as Scikit-learn
  • Strong understanding of statistics, probability, and algorithms
  • Experience working with SQL, data modeling, and large datasets
  • Proven track record of deploying ML models into production environments
  • Experience with AWS services

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with MLOps tools such as Docker for model deployment
  • Hands-on experience with local Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Familiarity with distributed computing and big data technologies

Interview Process

Round 1 (30 mins – Virtual)

  • Experience overview
  • Technical discussion
  • Live coding exercise (Video ON + full desktop screen sharing required)

Round 2 (60 mins – In-Person Preferred)

  • Technical deep dive
  • Advanced live coding exercise

Work Environment

  • 4 days onsite preferred (Philadelphia office)
  • Open to relocation candidates
  • Reston, VA location may be considered if needed
Smart-iPlace logo

About Smart-iPlace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

SMART-iPLACE provides innovative staffing and consulting solutions that help our clients achieve their business objectives. We can understand and support all areas of your IT systems from back-end infrastructure to front-end personal productivity. Our goal is create innovative IT solutions that enable your business to be more agile and competitive.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

2021

Social media

Facebook

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