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Junior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Who We Are Looking For We're hiring a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to design and ship the next generation of voice and conversational AI agents within Realm-X. This role helps define AppFolio ...

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Junior Machine Learning Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.9K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior machine learning engineer in Chicago, IL is $74,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior machine learning engineer, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Junior Machine Learning Engineer, you need a solid grasp of programming (especially Python), foundational knowledge of algorithms and statistics, and a relevant degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch and tools like scikit-learn, as well as experience with version control systems like Git, are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from feedback are valuable soft skills that help you adapt and grow in the field. These skills ensure you can effectively develop, test, and improve machine learning models while collaborating with more experienced engineers and contributing to team projects.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can a junior machine learning engineer expect in their first year on the job?

As a Junior Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll typically work on tasks such as data preprocessing, building and testing simple models, and supporting more senior engineers in deploying machine learning solutions. Your responsibilities may also include cleaning datasets, implementing basic algorithms, and running experiments to evaluate model performance. You’ll often collaborate closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to understand project goals and learn best practices. The role provides excellent opportunities to develop your technical skills, gain exposure to various stages of the ML pipeline, and gradually take on more complex projects as you grow.

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

AspectJunior Machine Learning EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, Data Science, or related; some experience with ML frameworksBachelor's or higher in CS, Statistics, or related; often advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentDeveloping and deploying ML models, coding, testingData analysis, statistical modeling, interpreting data insights
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, AI-focused firmsFinance, healthcare, tech, consulting
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles involve working with data and machine learning, Junior Machine Learning Engineers focus on building and deploying models, often with coding and engineering skills. Data Scientists analyze data, create statistical models, and interpret insights. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their core responsibilities and skill emphasis.

What does a junior machine learning engineer do?

As a junior machine learning engineer, you work in AI, performing research with algorithms and data modeling techniques. Machine learning involves using large collections of data to create systems that are capable of making predictions, and in this field, your duties and responsibilities revolve around using advanced mathematics to design applications for use in everything from stock trading to sports betting. Some machine learning efforts involve images, and this branch of the field is known as computer vision, while other techniques which focus on text are called natural language processing (NLP). Given these divisions, titles in machine learning include computer vision engineer, NLP scientist, or simply research scientist.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Machine Learning Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,964 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Staff Machine Learning Engineer

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Uber rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 113 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 9 rated taxi private hire


Job description


About the Role
Uber Freight Marketplace is building the next generation of logistics technology by leveraging Uber's proven marketplace playbook to freight. As part of a small, high-impact team, you'll help bring expertise from Uber's mobility and delivery marketplaces into a rapidly evolving industry, developing pricing, matching, recommendation, and optimization systems that will disrupt the freight industry ($1T TAM). Uber Freight is at a very early stage, with just 0.4% of the pie now, and it's a rare opportunity to solve challenging marketplace problems with AI/ML and marketplace optimization while shaping how the freight industry transforms.
We are looking for a highly motivated Machine Learning Engineer to join Uber's Marketplace team to modernize the Uber Freight marketplace team. It is a fascinating area with challenges in predictive modeling, causal inference, constrained optimization, reinforcement learning, marketplace design, etc. The business is about to elevate and this role has a huge growing opportunity.
What You'll Do
This role requires end to end ownership for the ML models in UF marketplace (cost prediction, booking probability, demand elasticity, etc.). While your job is mostly about model development, you will work with backend engineers together to put them in production and make sure they work as expected.
Basic Qualifications
  • 6+ years of experience developing ML models to solve business problem.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
  • Familiar with modern AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Product experience will be a big plus for this role. Adaptive development of ML models to the business context is critical.
  • Previous experience with state-of-the-art marketplace technology is preferred.
  • Experience with causal inference and constrained optimization

Responsibilities
For Chicago, IL-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $209,000 per year - USD $232,000 per year.
For New York City, NY-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $232,000 per year - USD $258,000 per year.
For San Francisco, CA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $232,000 per year - USD $258,000 per year.
For Seattle, WA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $232,000 per year - USD $258,000 per year.
For Sunnyvale, CA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $232,000 per year - USD $258,000 per year.
For all US locations, you will be eligible to participate in Uber's bonus program, and may be offered an equity award & other types of comp. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. You will also be eligible for various benefits.
About Us
Ready to Ride?
This isn't the kind of place where you follow a playbook - it's where you help write one. If you're driven by impact, energized by challenge, and ready to shape how the world moves - we'd love to hear from you.
You may be eligible for bonuses, equity, and other compensation, as well as a range of benefits. Explore our benefits.
Offices remain key to collaboration and Uber's culture. Unless approved for full remote work, employees must spend at least 50% of their time in-office. Some roles, like those at greenlight hubs, require full-time in-office presence. Ask your Recruiter for details about this role's requirements.
Uber is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

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