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Machine Learning Data Associate Jobs in Illinois

Collaborate with senior engineers and data scientists on model deployment. * Conduct experiments and run machine learning tests. * Stay updated with the latest advancements in machine learning.

Collaborate with senior engineers and data scientists on model deployment. * Conduct experiments and run machine learning tests. * Stay updated with the latest advancements in machine learning.

AVP, Machine Learning & Modeling

Chicago, IL · On-site

$156.50K - $290.10K/yr

Oversee teams of data scientists, modelers, and ML engineers to deliver innovative and scalable ... Strategic Leadership and Vision Provide strategic direction for the organization's machine learning ...

... data environments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Design and implement novel machine learning and deep learning models tailored to internal research needs * Prototype and evaluate ...

... data environments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Design and implement novel machine learning and deep learning models tailored to internal research needs * Prototype and evaluate ...

Guides students through data preprocessing, feature selection, building and comparing ... Familiar with machine learning curricula and common challenges such as understanding bias-variance ...

The Director, Data is responsible for applying data exploration and visualization, machine learning ... As an Inmar Associate, you: * Put clients first and consistently display a positive attitude and ...

Guides students through data preprocessing, feature selection, building and comparing ... Familiar with machine learning curricula and common challenges such as understanding bias-variance ...

Guides students through data preprocessing, feature selection, building and comparing ... Familiar with machine learning curricula and common challenges such as understanding bias-variance ...

Guides students through data preprocessing, feature selection, building and comparing ... Familiar with machine learning curricula and common challenges such as understanding bias-variance ...

Guides students through data preprocessing, feature selection, building and comparing ... Familiar with machine learning curricula and common challenges such as understanding bias-variance ...

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Machine Learning Data Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$18

$29

How much do machine learning data associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine learning data associate in Illinois is $18.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Machine Learning Data Associate, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of data annotation and labeling processes, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with data management tools, annotation platforms, and sometimes scripting languages like Python is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help you work efficiently with data science teams and ensure high-quality outcomes. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate datasets that directly impact the effectiveness of machine learning models.

How does a Machine Learning Data Associate typically collaborate with data scientists and engineers within a project team?

As a Machine Learning Data Associate, you play a vital role in supporting data scientists and engineers by annotating, cleaning, and organizing large datasets to ensure high data quality. You'll frequently communicate with team members to clarify labeling guidelines, provide feedback on data inconsistencies, and report any edge cases encountered during annotation. This collaboration ensures that the datasets used for training machine learning models are accurate and comprehensive, directly impacting the success of the project. Expect regular team meetings and ongoing feedback loops to maintain alignment with evolving project requirements.

What are Machine Learning Data Associates?

Machine Learning Data Associates are professionals who support the development of machine learning models by preparing, labeling, and validating data sets. Their work ensures that data used for training algorithms is accurate, consistent, and properly annotated. They may also assist with data cleaning, quality checks, and sometimes basic data analysis tasks. This role is crucial in industries where high-quality labeled data is essential for building effective AI systems.

What is the difference between Machine Learning Data Associate vs Data Analyst?

AspectMachine Learning Data AssociateData Analyst
Required SkillsData cleaning, labeling, basic programming, understanding of ML workflowsData interpretation, visualization, statistical analysis
Work EnvironmentTech companies, AI startups, research labsBusiness, finance, marketing, healthcare sectors
Common CertificationsData Science certifications, Python, SQLExcel, Tableau, SQL certifications

The main difference is that Machine Learning Data Associates focus on preparing and labeling data specifically for machine learning models, while Data Analysts interpret data to generate insights for business decisions. Both roles require strong data skills and often overlap, but their primary objectives and work environments differ.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Machine Learning Data Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Machine Learning Data Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Learning Data Associate job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,767 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

PayPal, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


PayPal rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 17 rated payment service providers


Job description

The Company
PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.
We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.
We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.
Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do - and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.
Job Summary:
This job will validate and develop machine learning models and algorithms to solve complex problems. You will work closely with senior engineers, data scientists, and product teams to enhance services through innovative AI/ML solutions. Your role will involve building scalable ML pipelines, ensuring data quality, and deploying models into production environments to drive business insights and improve customer experiences.
Job Description:
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the development and optimization of machine learning models.
  • Preprocess and analyze datasets to ensure data quality.
  • Collaborate with senior engineers and data scientists on model deployment.
  • Conduct experiments and run machine learning tests.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in machine learning.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 1+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Familiarity with ML frameworks like TensorFlow or scikit-learn.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications:
Role and Responsibilities
  • Support the lead of the team in performing oversight of high-impact statistical model and AI applications in a variety of business function areas, including but not limited to fraud detection, credit underwriting, marketing analytics etc.
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative model validation according to Model Risk Management Policy to identify and understand model risk issues
  • Collaborate with business units and model developers to remediate model issues and provide subject-matter expert opinion on model improvements
  • Perform model and AI risk governance related activities in line with enterprise risk framework, to ensure PayPal's AI applications are compliant with ever evolving regulatory expectation such as Responsible AI.

Qualifications
This position requires the ability and curiosity to learn various advanced modeling methods/AI techniques, covering a broader business function. This role also requires candidate to have the capability in building effective relationship with various stakeholders including business owners, model owners, model developers and control officers. The candidate must possess excellent communication, writing and presentation skills.
  • An advanced degree in a quantitative field, such as statistics, mathematics, computer science or engineering essential
  • Advanced knowledge of statistical and machine learning models (e.g., logistic regression, time series analysis, random forests, SVMs, XGBoost, CNNs/RNNs)
  • Possessing advanced coding skills in dealing with big data (e.g., Scikit-learn in Python, Tensorflow, Hadoop, Spark , SQL, etc.)
  • Relevant Modeling experience in credit scoring, fraud detection, financial forecasting, or marketing analytics obtained either in academic or financial industry
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively and establish constructive relationship with stakeholders

Subsidiary:
PayPal
Travel Percent:
0
The base pay for this role will depend on where you work and the relevant experience and expertise you bring. The expected range of pay for this role by location is:
Primary Location | Pay Range:
Chicago, Illinois | ($117,500.00 - $174,350.00 Annually)
Additional Location(s) | Pay Range:
Austin, Texas | ($117,500.00 - $174,350.00 Annually)
Additional compensation for this role may include an annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation, as applicable.
PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. When making an application directly, we will never ask you to share passwords, one-time passcodes (OTP), or verification codes. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. All communication regarding your application will come from official PayPal email domains. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.
For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.
Our Benefits:
At PayPal, we're committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can't do this without our most important asset-you. That's why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing-physical, emotional, and financial-delivering meaningful value where it matters most. We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.
Who We Are:
Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.
Belonging at PayPal:
Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.
Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.
We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don't hesitate to apply.

What PayPal employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


PayPal logo

About PayPal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PayPal has remained at the forefront of the digital payment revolution for more than 20 years. By leveraging technology to make financial services and commerce more convenient, affordable, and secure, the PayPal platform is empowering more than 400 million consumers and merchants in more than 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit paypal.com. PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.

Industry

Software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1998

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