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Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Grand Junction, CO

Machine Learning Engineer information

See Grand Junction, CO salary details

$30.7K

$125.5K

$188.5K

How much do machine learning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine learning engineer in Grand Junction, CO is $125,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $151,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine learning engineer?

Machine Learning Engineers are specialized software engineers who design, build, and deploy machine learning models and systems. They work at the intersection of software engineering and data science, transforming data-driven prototypes into scalable, production-ready solutions. Their responsibilities include data preprocessing, model selection, algorithm implementation, and optimizing models for performance and efficiency. Machine Learning Engineers often collaborate with data scientists, software developers, and other stakeholders to integrate AI technologies into products and services.

What does a machine learning engineer do?

A machine learning engineer maintains production systems and often works with other engineers. In this career, you work with software development methodology, use modern software development tools, and use agile practices. You also play a role in software design and architecture, so you may occasionally work with a programmer. An engineer may help to predict how a model should perform or seek out regression issues by using different test types and algorithms. To fulfill your duties and responsibilities, you work on a computer and use an array of skills and programs to carry out these tests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine learning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Learning Engineer, you need strong programming skills (particularly in Python), a solid background in mathematics and statistics, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with machine learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), data processing tools, and cloud platforms is typically required. Problem-solving ability, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating complex models into practical solutions. These competencies ensure the development, deployment, and continual improvement of machine learning systems that drive business value.

What are some common challenges faced by machine learning engineers when deploying models to production?

Machine Learning Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring model scalability, maintaining data consistency between training and production environments, and monitoring model performance over time. Integrating models into existing software infrastructure may require collaboration with DevOps and software engineering teams to address issues like latency, version control, and resource allocation. Additionally, ongoing model maintenance is crucial to prevent model drift and ensure that predictions remain accurate as new data becomes available.

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

AspectMachine Learning EngineerData Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS, Data Science, or related; experience with ML frameworksBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops scalable ML models, deploys algorithms into productionAnalyzes data, builds models, interprets data insights
Industry UsageTech companies, startups, AI-focused firmsFinance, healthcare, marketing, research organizations

While both roles work with data and machine learning, Machine Learning Engineers focus on building and deploying scalable ML models in production environments. Data Scientists primarily analyze data, create models, and generate insights. The roles often overlap but differ in their core responsibilities and focus areas.

What cities near Grand Junction, CO are hiring for Machine Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Grand Junction, CO with the most Machine Learning Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Grand Junction, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,461 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Data Engineer I

Grand Junction, CO • On-site


Alpine Banks of Colorado

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 172 rated banks

Paid breaks

Uninterrupted breaks


$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

General Purpose

This position designs, builds, maintains and optimizes the data analytics infrastructure, ensuring data is accessible and usable for analytics and operational purposes across the enterprise. Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the availability, security, reliability and performance of our data analytics infrastructure, systems and solutions.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Data Infrastructure Management:
    • Designs, builds, tests, and maintains databases, data lakes, and data warehouses. 
    • Ensures data storage solutions are secure and compliant with relevant regulations through collaborative work with security staff. 
    • Monitors and manages the performance of data systems. 
  • Data Quality and Integrity:
    • Implements data quality checks and validation processes. 
    • Troubleshoots data issues ensuring data accuracy and reliability. 
    • Administers data security, privacy, and consistency across systems according to policy. 
  • Data Pipeline Design and Development:
    • Designs and builds ETL/ELT pipelines to move data from various sources to target systems. 
    • Ensures data pipelines are scalable, reliable, and efficient. 
    • Optimizes data flow and storage for performance and cost. 
    • Works with SMEs to model data in line of business data domains and producing ERDs.
  • Collaboration and Communication:
    • Works closely with data analysts, and other stakeholders to understand data requirements from importing to transforming and reporting.
    • Collaborates on data-driven projects and initiatives. 
    • Communicates technical information clearly and concisely. 
  • Staying Updated on Emerging Technologies:
    • Keeps up to date with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering. 
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of this position.

Other Duties/Responsibilities 

  • Specialize on Alpine Bank specific data requirements.
  • Contributes and documents data policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Contributes to data strategies for monitoring, backup, recovery, accessibility, and security.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.

Job Qualifications

  • Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:
  • Working knowledge of data and database standard designs, theories, backup, recovery, security, and integrity along with end user application connections.
  • Understanding of Microsoft SQL Service Stack, SSRS, SSIS, SSMS & SSAS and able to create and manage solutions using these tools.
  • Working knowledge of VS code, git, code repositories, Azure data factory, Azure SQL databases
  • ETL/ELT creation, modification, and monitoring.
  • Able to perform work with a high degree of latitude. 
  • Ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking.

Education or Formal Training Required:

  • BA/BS in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent training and experience.
  • Industry relevant certifications. i.e. MS Azure DBA
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Colorado Driver’s License is required.

Experience Required:

  • 0-3 years’ experience in data analytics and reporting.
  • Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Power BI, Azure Dev Ops, Microsoft Visual Studio.
  • Experience in SQL (TSQL, DB2), Python (pyspark), DAX/MDX expressions. 
  • Experience with Bicep, Terraform, PowerShell is a plus.

Working Conditions

Working Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment, that may have a hybrid schedule to include remote work and in office but can change at any time.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  Minimal driving may be required for branch visits and in-person meetings.

Physical Activities:

These are representative of those which must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This is largely a sedentary role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. May have to lift up to 25 lbs.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Starting Rate of Pay is from $80,000.00 to $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience.

For an overview of our employee benefits please visit: Alpine Bank Careers Page  

Position anticipated to close September 30, 2026, or until filled. 


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