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Junior Machine Learning Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Staff Data Scientist

Westchester, IL · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

... junior data scientists and analysts, and contribute to best practices across the data science team Required Qualifications * 5-7 years of experience building and deploying production machine learning ...

... junior data scientists and analysts, and contribute to best practices across the data science team Required Qualifications * 5-7 years of experience building and deploying production machine learning ...

Sr. Software Engineer I, Data & ML Platform

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Zoro is seeking a Senior Software Engineer I to join our Data and Machine Learning Platform team ... Mentor junior engineers , providing guidance on best practices, technical development, and ensuring ...

Junior Algorithmic Trader

Chicago, IL

$69K - $89K/yr

As a Junior Algorithmic Trader, you will have the opportunity to experience relative value ... Project or internship experience in data analysis, quantitative modeling and/or machine learning

Junior Algorithmic Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

As a Junior Algorithmic Trader, you will have the opportunity to experience relative value ... Project or internship experience in data analysis, quantitative modeling and/or machine learning

Postdoctoral Fellow

Campus, IL · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

... junior trainees (25%) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: * Solid computing background or data experience, e.g., supercomputing and machine learning; * Good programming skills in at least one ...

Line Mechanic Lead

Alsip, IL · On-site

$27 - $35.75/hr

Complete Level 1 and Level 2 Machine Operator on-site as a Junior Machine Adjuster to move into ... Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the ...

Department BSD IPP - Machine Learning About the Department The Institute for Population and ... Ability to conduct independent research, mentor junior lab members, and communicate results clearly ...

Line Mechanic Lead

Alsip, IL · On-site

$27 - $35.75/hr

Complete Level 1 and Level 2 Machine Operator on-site as a Junior Machine Adjuster to move into ... Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Machine Learning information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$26

$45

How much do junior machine learning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior machine learning in Illinois is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior machine learning engineer do?

A Junior Machine Learning Engineer assists in the development and implementation of machine learning models and algorithms under the supervision of more experienced engineers. They typically help with data collection, cleaning, feature engineering, model training, and evaluation. Junior engineers may also write code, test prototypes, and contribute to improving model performance while learning best practices in the field. Their role often involves collaborating with data scientists and software engineers to integrate machine learning solutions into products or services.

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

To thrive as a Junior Machine Learning Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming (especially Python), basic statistics, linear algebra, and familiarity with machine learning concepts, typically supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Proficiency in tools and frameworks like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and version control systems such as Git is often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and explaining technical concepts. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to contribute effectively to building, testing, and improving machine learning models in real-world applications.

What types of projects and tasks can a junior machine learning professional typically expect to work on in their first year?

As a Junior Machine Learning professional, you’ll often support senior data scientists and engineers by preparing data, implementing basic algorithms, and assisting with model evaluation. Your daily tasks may include data cleaning, feature engineering, running experiments, and writing code to automate data pipelines. You might also help document processes and present your findings to team members. While the work is often collaborative, you’ll have opportunities to take ownership of smaller projects and progressively contribute to larger initiatives as you gain experience.

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

AspectJunior Machine LearningData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, Data Science, or related field; some experience with ML toolsBachelor's or Master's in CS, Statistics, or related; strong programming and statistical skills
Work EnvironmentEntry-level projects, supervised tasks, team collaborationAdvanced analysis, model development, cross-functional teams
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, research labsWidespread across industries like finance, healthcare, tech

Junior Machine Learning roles focus on foundational ML tasks and learning on the job, while Data Scientists handle complex data analysis, model building, and strategic insights. The roles differ mainly in experience level and scope of responsibilities, but both require strong technical skills and familiarity with data tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Machine Learning jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Machine Learning jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Machine Learning job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Machine Learning job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,332 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Junior Quantitative Developer & Strategist

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.

What you'll do as a Junior Quantitative Developer & Junior Quantitative Strategist at Akuna:

Akuna's Quant team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets. The team is looking to add both Junior Quant Developers and Junior Quant Strategists who will make a direct and measurable impact on our trading decisions and performance.

We are searching for creative thinkers with strong programming backgrounds who can convert ideas into trading solutions, tighten our innovation cycle through rapid prototyping of performant production code, and have the desire to develop a deep understanding of financial markets. No prior experience with financial markets is required.

In these roles you will:

  • Design and develop production code of trading strategies: pricing models, execution logic and performance optimization along with researchers, traders, and system engineers.
  • Analyze and incorporate market signals in our trading systems.
  • Advance existing codebase and propose new solutions and improvements.

Qualities that make great candidates:

  • Bachelors, masters, or PhD degree in a technical field - Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics (or related subject) must be completed upon employment
  • Strong Python programming background
  • Experience in object-oriented programming
  • Exposure to linear algebra and introductory statistics
  • Desire and ability to learn the intricacies of financial markets
  • Must be graduating August 2027 or prior
  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using OPT or STEM

Additional qualities that make great candidates:

  • Experience with generic and/or parallel programming
  • Deeper understanding of any of the following fields: Linear Algebra, Numerical Methods, Statistics, Optimization, Signal Processing, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, Heterogeneous/High Performance computing
  • The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
  • Exposure to financial markets and trading

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format. 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note: By submitting an application to this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest. 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.