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Freelance Operations Research Engineer Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Research Engineer Responsibilities Factory is seeking innovative Research Engineers to design and ... operational demands Qualifications * 2+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML engineering roles ...

THE ROLE As a Research Engineer, you may work on projects that require strong execution ... Collaborate across product, operations, growth, strategy, technical, or customer‑facing teams ...

About the Role Factory is seeking innovative Research Engineers to design and integrate advanced AI ... operational demands Qualifications * 2+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML engineering roles ...

Research Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

... unit operations for our demo plant. This role is deeply technical and experimental ... Nuclear engineering research: molten-salt chemistries, materials compatibility, graphite/refractory ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

We're building toward a future where enterprise operations are fully autonomous; with no tickets ... Join us. About the role We're hiring a Research Engineer to push Console's core agent loop from ...

Research and experiment with novel techniques, including reinforcement learning, retrieval ... engineering operations. * Shape Agentic AI's Future : Help build the next frontier in enterprise ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Our global network of expert specialists, scalable managed operations, precise talent matching, and ... As a Research Engineer, you'll take a research direction and run with it - finding the right papers ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Our global network of expert specialists, scalable managed operations, precise talent matching, and ... As a Research Engineer, you'll take a research direction and run with it - finding the right papers ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

The Opportunity Our partner is hiring a Research Engineer to help scale the quality assurance (QA) ... This role sits at the intersection of data quality, tooling, and applied ML operations: you'll ...

To achieve this, you will build and manage teams of software engineers, researchers, QAs, and ... Operational leadership: Proven ability to manage complex data pipelines, multi-stakeholder delivery ...

Senior Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

To achieve this, you will build and manage teams of software engineers, researchers, QAs, and ... Operational leadership: Proven ability to manage complex data pipelines, multi-stakeholder delivery ...

To achieve this, you will build and manage teams of software engineers, researchers, QAs, and ... Operational leadership: Proven ability to manage complex data pipelines, multi-stakeholder delivery ...

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Freelance Operations Research Engineer information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$16

$53

$147

How much do freelance operations research engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance operations research engineer in San Rafael, CA is $53.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $68.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance operations research engineer do?

A Freelance Operations Research Engineer applies mathematical modeling, statistics, and analytical methods to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. They typically work independently or on a contract basis, analyzing data, developing optimization models, and recommending solutions for areas like logistics, supply chains, scheduling, and resource allocation. Their expertise helps businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance without being tied to a single employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance operations research engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Operations Research Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, optimization techniques, and analytical problem-solving, typically backed by a degree in operations research, mathematics, or engineering. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), optimization solvers, and data analysis tools is essential, along with experience using simulation software. Excellent communication, self-management, and client collaboration skills help set you apart in a freelance environment. These competencies ensure you can deliver effective, data-driven solutions to clients' complex operational challenges while managing projects independently.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance operations research engineers when working with diverse clients?

Freelance Operations Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding varied client needs, adapting to different industries, and integrating with existing teams remotely. Navigating unclear project scopes and communicating complex analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders can also be demanding. Building rapport quickly and establishing trust are essential to ensure effective collaboration and project success.

What is the difference between Freelance Operations Research Engineer vs Data Analyst?

AspectFreelance Operations Research EngineerData Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or PhD in operations research, industrial engineering, or related fieldsUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in data science, statistics, or related areas
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remote, working with multiple clientsFull-time or part-time, often in corporate offices or remote settings
Industry UsageCommon in logistics, manufacturing, supply chain, and consultingPrevalent in finance, marketing, healthcare, and tech sectors

While both roles analyze data to improve decision-making, Freelance Operations Research Engineers focus on optimizing complex systems and processes through advanced modeling, often working independently. Data Analysts interpret data trends to support business insights, typically within organizations. The choice depends on the project scope and industry focus.

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Freelance Operations Research Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Freelance Operations Research Engineer job openings:

Research Engineer

Jobzhr

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Research Engineer Responsibilities

Factory is seeking innovative Research Engineers to design and integrate advanced AI and ML capabilities that revolutionize productivity and accelerate innovation within software organizations.



  • Design, develop, and deploy AI-driven agentic systems that enhance Factory’s core AI capabilities, focusing on retrieval systems, code generation evaluation, agentic user experience development, and agent backend architecture.

  • Collaborate with product and engineering teams to incorporate emerging AI research findings into practical, customer-centric solutions.

  • Engage in iterative development processes, rapidly prototyping and refining AI functionalities based on real-world feedback to meet the evolving needs of developers and enterprises

  • Take the initiative in identifying and addressing product stability and scalability challenges, ensuring our platform reliably support large-scale operational demands


Qualifications

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML engineering roles post-acquisition of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, or a related technical field.

  • Demonstrated proficiency with LLMs and a track record of applying AI/ML techniques to solve complex, unstructured problems, ideally within the domain of software engineering or related areas.

  • Self-motivated and autonomous, with a proven ability to navigate ambiguous research projects from conception to impactful deployment.

  • Strong communication skills that enable you to articulate technical concepts and strategies clearly at all levels, coupled with a strategic mindset oriented towards innovation.

  • Experience with data-intensive applications and familiarity with the software development lifecycle are highly desirable, though not mandatory.


This is an in-office position (5 days/week) in San Francisco (walking distance to Caltrain)

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