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Lead Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in California

Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $158K/yr

Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer As a Capital One Machine Learning Engineer (MLE) , you'll be part of an Agile team dedicated to productionizing machine learning applications and systems at scale.

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $159K/yr

The AI/ML Data Architecture, Engineering, and Enablement team is seeking a Lead Machine Learning Engineer (Predictive AI) to design and deliver advanced solutions that support the full lifecycle of ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

About the role As a Machine Learning Lead at Nudge, you will drive the development of next ... Partner closely with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, ultrasound engineers, transducer ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

About the role As a Machine Learning Lead at Nudge, you will drive the development of next ... Partner closely with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, ultrasound engineers, transducer ...

Integrate Machine Learning and AI systems with production applications * Innovate with new approaches, staying abreast of current research and latest technologies in the broader ML engineering ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Integrate Machine Learning and AI systems with production applications * Innovate with new approaches, staying abreast of current research and latest technologies in the broader ML engineering ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Millbrae, CA · On-site +1

$119K - $156K/yr

... key engineering leadership role -- Minimum Requirements: * Doctorate in a related field * 8+ years of experience (including any applicable work in grad school) developing machine learning ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Millbrae, CA

$119K - $156K/yr

... key engineering leadership role -- Minimum Requirements: * Doctorate in a related field * 8+ years of experience (including any applicable work in grad school) developing machine learning ...

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Lead Machine Learning Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$122.2K

$178.1K

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

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead machine learning engineer in California is $122,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a lead machine learning engineer make?

A lead machine learning engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often include responsibilities such as designing models, leading teams, and working with advanced tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch.

How does a Lead Machine Learning Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, you'll frequently work alongside data scientists, software engineers, product managers, and sometimes domain experts to drive projects from conception to deployment. You are often responsible for translating business requirements into scalable machine learning solutions, coordinating model development, and ensuring integration with existing systems. Clear communication and the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders are essential, as you may need to guide team members and align everyone's efforts toward project goals. This collaborative environment fosters both technical and leadership growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, you need advanced expertise in machine learning algorithms, data modeling, and programming languages like Python or Java, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, cloud computing platforms, and version control systems is essential, along with relevant certifications. Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams and communicate complex technical ideas effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving successful AI initiatives, ensuring project delivery, and fostering innovation within cross-functional teams.

What is a $900,000 AI job?

A $900,000 AI job typically refers to a high-level position such as a Lead Machine Learning Engineer or senior AI executive that offers compensation in this range, often including salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles usually require extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning, deep learning, and data science, and may involve leadership responsibilities and strategic decision-making.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Lead Machine Learning Engineers are likely to continue to be in demand as they develop, implement, and oversee AI systems, requiring advanced skills in programming, data analysis, and domain expertise. Jobs that involve complex problem-solving, creativity, and human interaction—such as healthcare professionals, educators, and skilled trades—are also expected to persist despite AI advancements. These roles typically require emotional intelligence, adaptability, and specialized knowledge that AI cannot easily replicate.

What does a Lead Machine Learning Engineer do?

A Lead Machine Learning Engineer oversees the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models within an organization. They guide a team of engineers and data scientists, ensuring best practices in model architecture, data management, and production pipelines. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with stakeholders, mentoring junior team members, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in machine learning. Lead ML Engineers also play a key role in translating business objectives into technical solutions and ensuring scalability and reliability of AI systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level machine learning engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in deep learning and data science, and often working in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or executive roles.
Infographic showing various Lead Machine Learning Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,163 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Capital One

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Capital One rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 141 rated banks


Job description

Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer
As a Capital OneMachine Learning Engineer (MLE), you'll be part of an Agile team dedicated to productionizing machine learning applications and systems at scale. You'll participate in the detailed technical design, development, and implementation of machine learning applications using existing and emerging technology platforms. You'll focus on machine learning architectural design, develop and review model and application code, and ensure high availability and performance of our machine learning applications. You'll have the opportunity to continuously learn and apply the latest innovations and best practices in machine learning engineering.

What you'll do in the role:
The MLE role overlaps with many disciplines, such as Ops, Modeling, and Data Engineering. In this role, you'll be expected to perform many ML engineering activities, including one or more of the following:
  • Design, build, and/or deliver ML models and components that solve real-world business problems, while working in collaboration with the Product and Data Science teams.
  • Inform your ML infrastructure decisions using your understanding of ML modeling techniques and issues, including choice of model, data, and feature selection, model training, hyperparameter tuning, dimensionality, bias/variance, and validation).
  • Solve complex problems by writing and testing application code, developing and validating ML models, and automating tests and deployment.
  • Collaborate as part of a cross-functional Agile team to create and enhance software that enables state-of-the-art big data and ML applications.
  • Retrain, maintain, and monitor models in production.
  • Leverage or build cloud-based architectures, technologies, and/or platforms to deliver optimized ML models at scale.
  • Construct optimized data pipelines to feed ML models.
  • Leverage continuous integration and continuous deployment best practices, including test automation and monitoring, to ensure successful deployment of ML models and application code.
  • Ensure all code is well-managed to reduce vulnerabilities, models are well-governed from a risk perspective, and the ML follows best practices in Responsible and Explainable AI.
  • Use programming languages like Python, Scala, or Java.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • At least 8 years of experience designing and building data-intensive solutions using distributed computing (Internship experience does not apply)
  • At least 4 years of experience programming with Python, Scala, or Java
  • At least 3 years of experience building, scaling, and optimizing ML systems
  • At least 2 years of experience leading teams developing ML solutions
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or doctoral degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a similar field
  • Experience developing and deploying ML solutions in a public cloud such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
  • 4+ years of on-the-job experience with an industry recognized ML framework such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, Dask, Spark, Kubeflow or TensorFlow
  • 3+ years of experience developing performant, resilient, and maintainable code
  • 3+ years of experience with data gathering and preparation for ML models
  • ML industry impact through conference presentations, papers, blog posts, open source contributions, or patents
  • 3+ years of experience building production-ready data pipelines that feed ML models
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to a variety of audiences
Capital One will consider sponsoring a new qualified applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

Cambridge, MA: $229,900 - $262,400 for Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer


McLean, VA: $229,900 - $262,400 for Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer


New York, NY: $250,800 - $286,200 for Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer


San Francisco, CA: $250,800 - $286,200 for Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer


San Jose, CA: $250,800 - $286,200 for Sr. Lead Machine Learning Engineer







Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate's offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at theCapital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City's Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com

Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site.

Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).


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