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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Illinois

We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to design, build, and deploy machine learning systems that improve the calibration, control, and operation of quantum processors. In this role, you will ...

Role Summary We are seeking a highly motivated Machine Learning Engineer with a strong background in model architecture design and algorithm development, ideally with experience in scientific domains ...

Our machine learning engineering team is responsible for developing infrastructure and tooling to help enable data driven decisions and insights at scale for millions of Paylocity users. As a Staff ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Senior Engineer Machine Learning Position Overview Paylocity is growing its Machine Learning Engineering organization! Our machine learning engineering team is responsible for developing ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Our machine learning engineering team is responsible for developing infrastructure and tooling to help enable data driven decisions and insights at scale for millions of Paylocity users. As a Senior ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Senior Engineer Machine Learning Position Overview Paylocity is growing its Machine Learning Engineering organization! Our machine learning engineering team is responsible for developing ...

Role Summary We are seeking a highly motivated Machine Learning Engineer with a strong background in model architecture design and algorithm development, ideally with experience in scientific domains ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL

$105K - $139K/yr

Lead Machine Learning Engineers at Thoughtworks use modern architectures to develop end-to-end scalable machine learning systems and applications. They use their specialized depth and breadth of ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Hyatt seeks an extraordinary Machine Learning Engineer to help build the algorithmic assets and features that Hyatt guests, members, customers and internal users leverage to transform the guest ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Machine Learning Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$71.7K

$142.7K

$205.9K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal machine learning engineer in Illinois is $142,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,800.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Principal Machine Learning Engineer typically expect in this role?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Machine Learning Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

Will MLE be replaced by AI?

Principal Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and oversee AI and machine learning systems, and their roles involve understanding complex algorithms, data management, and model deployment. While AI automates certain tasks, MLE roles focus on building and maintaining AI infrastructure, which requires human expertise, critical thinking, and ongoing innovation that AI cannot fully replace. The role is expected to evolve alongside advancements in AI technology but remains essential for guiding AI development and ensuring ethical, effective implementation.

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.

How much do principal AI engineers make?

Principal AI engineers typically earn between $130,000 and $200,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in machine learning, deep learning, and data science, and may receive bonuses or stock options as part of compensation packages.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Machine Learning Engineers and senior data scientists in the tech industry often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in deep learning and AI, and working at large technology companies or startups with competitive compensation packages. High salaries may also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Principal Machine Learning Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in deep learning and data science, and working at large tech companies or in high-demand industries. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their seniority and expertise.
Infographic showing various Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,660 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Quantum Machines

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description
Quantum Machines (QM) is a global leader in quantum computing control systems. Through our pioneering hardware and software solutions based on instruction-based quantum control, we're revolutionizing how quantum computers are built and controlled. As we stand at the forefront of exponential growth in quantum computing, we're assembling an elite team that actively shapes the evolution of quantum technologies.
We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to design, build, and deploy machine learning systems that improve the calibration, control, and operation of quantum processors. In this role, you will work at the intersection of machine learning, quantum physics, and software engineering, translating noisy, non-stationary, safety-critical control problems into ML solutions that run on real hardware in production labs.
You will develop reinforcement learning policies, Bayesian inference methods, and agentic frameworks that make quantum control more autonomous, more sample-efficient, and more robust to drift. This position offers unprecedented exposure to diverse qubit types and quantum architectures, with a tight feedback loop between your models and the systems they steer, and the opportunity to deliver groundbreaking ML-driven solutions to the labs and companies defining the next generation of quantum systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop reinforcement learning, Bayesian inference, and probabilistic modelling approaches for parameter tuning, drift tracking, and adaptive measurement, to be deployed on real hardware.
  • Develop real-time parameter steering for calibration during QEC and between circuits.
  • Develop and maintain agentic frameworks for autonomous system control and calibration.
  • Develop and maintain Python-based ML services and libraries that integrate with the wider Quantum Machines control stack, including QUA, Qualibrate, and the OPX1000.
  • Work directly with customers and partner labs to deploy, validate, and iterate on ML solutions in real experimental environments.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, R&D, and hardware teams, contributing to internal libraries, customer-facing SDKs, and training materials.

Requirements
  • PhD/Master in Machine Learning, Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a related field. 4+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong background in Machine Learning and Deep Learning, with hands-on experience in at least one of: deep learning, reinforcement learning, agentic AI
  • Strong Python proficiency, including scientific or systems-oriented codebases
  • Solid software engineering fundamentals (architecture, Git workflows, testing, code review)
  • Proven track record of taking ML from prototype to deployment under real-world constraints - non-stationary data, expensive evaluations, or safety-critical action spaces. Robotics, online control, autonomous vehicles, or hardware-in-the-loop ML all transfer well
  • Strong problem-solving skills and customer-focused mindset; ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
  • Proven software development track record and excellent technical communication skills
  • Familiarity with quantum computing concepts - qubit calibration, randomized benchmarking, QEC, optimal control- advantage
  • Experience with sim-to-real, multi-objective RL, or meta-learning- advantage