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Junior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Machine Learning Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and support our client in Ashburn, VA. The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on experience in machine learning, advanced analytics, and ...

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and support our client in Ashburn, VA. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in machine learning, advanced analytics, and AI ...

Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0242757 Machine Learning Engineer The Opportunity: As an experienced AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to ...

Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0245828 Machine Learning Engineer The Opportunity: As an experience d AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to ...

Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0245170 Machine Learning Engineer The Opportunity: As an experienced AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Machine Learning Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$37.9K

$81.3K

$124K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior machine learning engineer in Washington, DC is $81,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $90,600.00 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Junior Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Washington, DC 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 $81,320 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Unissant

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. We apply our domain expertise, data acumen, and technology know-how to achieve breakthrough results for our clients. Working collaboratively, we advance missions and careers through a focus on honesty, integrity, and dependability. We continuously look for talent, excited to join that effort. To learn more about our exciting organization, please visit us at www.unissant.com .

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and support our client in Ashburn, VA. The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on experience in machine learning, advanced analytics, and AI‑driven product development, with the ability to turn complex data into practical, mission‑focused solutions. This role is well suited for a technically strong professional who enjoys building and improving models, partnering across Agile teams, and supporting the delivery of innovative capabilities from early concept through deployment and ongoing performance optimization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and maintain machine learning models that support a variety of AI applications.
  • Analyze large and complex datasets to identify trends, test hypotheses, and generate actionable insights using statistical and analytical methods.
  • Build and support reliable data pipelines that improve data quality, accessibility, and usability for machine learning and analytics initiatives.
  • Collaborate with data engineering and cross‑functional teams to enhance data workflows and optimize supporting infrastructure.
  • Contribute to AI product development activities across the lifecycle, including prototyping, implementation, deployment, and post‑production support.
  • Monitor model effectiveness and product performance metrics, and perform ongoing enhancements to improve accuracy, scalability, and reliability.
  • Work closely with product managers, developers, designers, and QA teams within a large Agile development environment.
Work Experience and Job Skills:
  • Three (3) to four (4) years of hands‑on experience in machine learning engineering, AI solution development, data analytics, or related technical work is preferred.
  • Experience supporting AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics initiatives is required.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and deploying AI/ML models in a production environment.
  • Proficiency in Python, R, Java, or similar programming languages used for machine learning and analytics development.
  • Experience with machine learning libraries and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit‑learn.
  • Familiarity with MLOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and model deployment processes.
  • Working knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases and data processing tools such as Apache Spark or Hadoop.
  • Experience with analytics and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, matplotlib, or Plotly.
  • Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP for model deployment, storage, or related services is preferred.
  • Strong problem‑solving abilities, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments independently while collaborating effectively across technical and business teams.
  • Experience working in Agile product development environments is a plus.
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field is required.
  • Master's Degree in a relevant field is preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of strict degree requirements, based on client standards.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:
  • Relevant certifications in cloud computing, machine learning, data science, or data engineering are a plus.
  • Additional technical certifications may be considered based on program requirements.
Communication Skills:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams in a client‑facing environment.
Clearance Requirements:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust position and favorable suitability determination based on a CBP background investigation is required.
Travel:
  • This is a hybrid position based in Ashburn, VA, with onsite support expected one to two days per week and additional onsite presence as required by mission needs.
  • Mainly a routine office environment.
  • May be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds.
  • Flexible in working extended hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Unissant management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

Please note: Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre‑employment screening.

Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets)

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