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Junior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Quantum Machines

Machine Learning Engineer

We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to design, build, and deploy machine learning systems that improve the calibration, control, and operation of quantum processors. In this role, you will ...

AppFolio

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/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 ...

AppFolio, Inc.

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site +1

$116K - $159K/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 ...

AppFolio

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/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 ...

AppFolio

Staff Machine Learning Engineer

Goleta, CA

Who We Are Looking For We're hiring a Staff Machine Learning Engineer to help move forward the ML platform that every AI initiative at AppFolio depends on -- training, fine-tuning, inference, RAG ...

Toyon

Deep Learning Algorithm Developer

Goleta, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Toyon has openings for researchers and developers to solve challenging real-world problems using Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Experience in Computer Vision is ...

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All JobsMachine Learning Engineer JobsJunior Machine Learning Engineer JobsJunior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Junior Machine Learning Engineer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$37.3K

$79.9K

$121.8K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior machine learning engineer in Santa Barbara, CA is $79,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $89,000.00 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.

More about Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

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For Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Junior Machine Learning Engineer job openings:

Junior Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Santa Barbara, CA 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 $79,890 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Quantum Machines

Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description
Quantum Machines (QM) is a global leader in quantum computing control systems. Through our pioneering hardware and software solutions based on instruction-based quantum control, we're revolutionizing how quantum computers are built and controlled. As we stand at the forefront of exponential growth in quantum computing, we're assembling an elite team that actively shapes the evolution of quantum technologies.
We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to design, build, and deploy machine learning systems that improve the calibration, control, and operation of quantum processors. In this role, you will work at the intersection of machine learning, quantum physics, and software engineering, translating noisy, non-stationary, safety-critical control problems into ML solutions that run on real hardware in production labs.
You will develop reinforcement learning policies, Bayesian inference methods, and agentic frameworks that make quantum control more autonomous, more sample-efficient, and more robust to drift. This position offers unprecedented exposure to diverse qubit types and quantum architectures, with a tight feedback loop between your models and the systems they steer, and the opportunity to deliver groundbreaking ML-driven solutions to the labs and companies defining the next generation of quantum systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop reinforcement learning, Bayesian inference, and probabilistic modelling approaches for parameter tuning, drift tracking, and adaptive measurement, to be deployed on real hardware.
  • Develop real-time parameter steering for calibration during QEC and between circuits.
  • Develop and maintain agentic frameworks for autonomous system control and calibration.
  • Develop and maintain Python-based ML services and libraries that integrate with the wider Quantum Machines control stack, including QUA, Qualibrate, and the OPX1000.
  • Work directly with customers and partner labs to deploy, validate, and iterate on ML solutions in real experimental environments.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, R&D, and hardware teams, contributing to internal libraries, customer-facing SDKs, and training materials.

Requirements
  • PhD/Master in Machine Learning, Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a related field. 4+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong background in Machine Learning and Deep Learning, with hands-on experience in at least one of: deep learning, reinforcement learning, agentic AI
  • Strong Python proficiency, including scientific or systems-oriented codebases
  • Solid software engineering fundamentals (architecture, Git workflows, testing, code review)
  • Proven track record of taking ML from prototype to deployment under real-world constraints - non-stationary data, expensive evaluations, or safety-critical action spaces. Robotics, online control, autonomous vehicles, or hardware-in-the-loop ML all transfer well
  • Strong problem-solving skills and customer-focused mindset; ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
  • Proven software development track record and excellent technical communication skills
  • Familiarity with quantum computing concepts - qubit calibration, randomized benchmarking, QEC, optimal control- advantage
  • Experience with sim-to-real, multi-objective RL, or meta-learning- advantage

Apply