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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in California

BigHat

Principal, Machine Learning Scientist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$254 - $290/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Principal, Machine Learning Scientist Department: DS/ML (Data Science/Machine Learning) Employment ... Collaborate with our engineering team to ensure maximal efficiency in the automated and agentic ...

NTENT

Machine Learning Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Learning Engineer Position: Full time Location: Carlsbad office About Us: NTENT provides a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), allowing industry partners to customize, localize and integrate search ...

NTENT

Machine Learning Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Learning Engineer Position: Full time Location: Carlsbad office About Us: NTENT provides a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), allowing industry partners to customize, localize and integrate search ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Machine Learning Engineer JobsPrincipal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Machine Learning Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal machine learning engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal machine learning engineer do?

A Principal Machine Learning Engineer leads the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models and systems. They set technical strategy, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex AI challenges. Their role often includes researching new algorithms, optimizing model performance, and ensuring scalability in production environments. Additionally, they work closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to align ML initiatives with business objectives.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a principal machine learning engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you need advanced expertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, software engineering, and a strong background in computer science or related fields, often supported by a master's or PhD degree. Familiarity with tools such as Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), and relevant certifications strengthens technical capability. Leadership, strategic thinking, effective communication, and mentorship are vital soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and influencing organizational AI initiatives.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a principal machine learning engineer typically expect?

Principal Machine Learning Engineers are often tasked with leading the design, development, and deployment of large-scale machine learning models and systems that address key business challenges. In this role, you will collaborate closely with data scientists, engineers, and product managers to define project requirements, architect solutions, and ensure high-quality delivery. You may also guide research initiatives, oversee code and model reviews, and mentor junior engineers, helping to shape the technical direction of the team. Typical responsibilities can range from prototyping and optimizing algorithms to ensuring models are scalable, reliable, and aligned with organizational goals.

Is a principal machine learning engineer a high paying job?

A principal machine learning engineer is typically a high-level role with a competitive salary that reflects advanced expertise in machine learning, data science, and software engineering. Salaries often vary based on industry, location, and company size but generally exceed those of mid-level roles due to the experience and leadership responsibilities involved.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs in California are:

Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings in California 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 $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Senior/Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Performance DSP

PubMatic

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer/ Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Performance DSP
Location: Redwood City, California, United States (Hybrid)
At PubMatic, we're transforming the mobile advertising landscape with cutting-edge solutions that help buyers and developers succeed. Our team is passionate about building high-performance, innovative products that make a real impact. If you're excited about solving complex challenges, shaping the future of ad tech, and working with brilliant minds, we'd love to have you on board!
Job Description:
We are looking for a Lead Machine Learning Engineer with deep expertise in Performance advertising and a proven track record of architecting high-performance solutions that drive campaign success. Leveraging your strategic understanding of Performance DSP workflows, you will design cutting-edge algorithms and systems to optimize real-time bidding strategies, exceed advertiser KPIs, and maximize ROI ultimately increasing performance-driven spend on the PubMatic platform.
Responsibilities:
  • Architect and develop advanced features to shape Performance DSPs, optimizing ad formats such as interstitial video, rewarded video, and display ads.
  • Design PubMatic's product offering to boost auction efficiency and align with Performance DSP workflows and expectations ensuring seamless integration, higher ROI for advertisers, and increase the DSP spend on the platform.
  • Leverage machine learning and data-driven insights to enhance bid efficiency, campaign performance, and ad delivery strategies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, and the CTO team to align technical solutions with Performance DSP goals.
  • Optimize attribution tracking, user value modelling, and ML-driven performance enhancements to maximize campaign impact.

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of engineering experience at a Performance DSP, coupled with a deep understanding of programmatic advertising workflows, RTB, audience targeting, and bid strategies.
  • Deep understanding of mobile advertising ecosystems, advertising SDKs, and optimization strategies.
  • Strong expertise in Machine Learning, Ad-Server/Bidder architecture and Gen-AI.
  • BS or MS degree in Computer Science or Mathematics

Compensation and Benefits:
Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000
In accordance with applicable law, the above salary range provided is PubMatic's reasonable estimate of the base salary for this role. The actual amount may vary, based on non-discriminatory factors such as location, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. In addition to salary PubMatic also offers a bonus, restricted stock units and a competitive benefits package.
Additional Information
Return to Office: PubMatic employees throughout the globe have returned to our offices via a hybrid work schedule (3 days "in office" and 2 days "working remotely") that is intended to maximize collaboration, innovation, and productivity among teams and across functions.
Benefits: Our benefits package includes the best of what leading organizations provide such as, paid leave programs, paid holidays, healthcare, dental and vision insurance, disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, physical and financial wellness programs, unlimited DTO in the US (that we actually require you to use!), reimbursement for mobile, and fully stocked pantries plus in-office catered lunches 5 days per week.
Diversity and Inclusion: PubMatic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer; we don't just value diversity, we promote and celebrate it. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status
Position Description
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