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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0242757 Machine Learning Engineer The Opportunity: As an experienced AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to ...

Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0245828 Machine Learning Engineer The Opportunity: As an experience d AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to ...

Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0245170 Machine Learning Engineer The Opportunity: As an experienced AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to ...

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and support our client in Ashburn, VA. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in machine learning, advanced analytics, and AI ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Machine Learning Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$146K

$210.7K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal machine learning engineer in Virginia is $145,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $171,500.00 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.
Infographic showing various Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Machine Learning Engineer

The Opportunity:

As an experienced AI and ML engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to conduct statistical analyses on business processes using ML techniques makes you an integral part of delivering a customer-focused solution. We need your technical knowledge and desire to problem-solve to support innovation across the DoD market. As a machine learning engineer on our defense technology team, you'll train, test, deploy, and maintain models that learn from data.

In this role, you'll own and define the direction of mission-critical solutions by implementing AI that enables faster mission success. You'll be part of a large community of machine learning engineers across the company and collaborate with data engineers, data scientists, solutions architects, and product owners to deliver world-class solutions to implement a wide variety of AI use cases. Your skills and extensive technical expertise will guide clients as they navigate the landscape of ML algorithms, tools, and frameworks.

Work with us to solve real-world challenges and define AI strategy for national security.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 1+ years of experience with artificial intelligence, data science, data research, or machine learning engineering, including developing and deploying models

  • Experience with Python coding

  • Experience with deep learning, LLMs, computer vision, or generative AI

  • Experience with data handling and model development

  • Ability to solve client issues and problems

  • TS/SCI clearance

  • Bachelor's degree

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience with generative and agentic AI technologies, such as LLMs, MCP, LangChain, or LangGraph

  • Experience with supervised and unsupervised learning

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,600.00 to $176,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914