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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Washington

AI Squared

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Machine Learning Engineer Washington, DC (Hybrid) About the Role: We are seeking a highly skilled Machine Learning Engineer to join our core AI team. In this role, you will focus on deploying ...

AI Squared

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Machine Learning Engineer Washington, DC (Hybrid) About the Role: We are seeking a highly skilled Machine Learning Engineer to join our core AI team. In this role, you will focus on deploying ...

AI Squared

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Machine Learning Engineer Washington, DC (Hybrid) About the Role: We are seeking a highly skilled Machine Learning Engineer to join our core AI team. In this role, you will focus on deploying ...

Cymertek Corporation

Machine Learning Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Machine Learning Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a talented and innovative Machine ...

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All JobsPrincipal Machine Learning Engineer JobsPrincipal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Washington

Principal Machine Learning Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$83.8K

$166.7K

$240.7K

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 Washington is $166,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,200.00 and $195,900.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings:

Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,741 per year, or $80.2 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer

Full Scope

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title:Machine Learning Engineer

Location:Fort Meade, MD

Required Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Full-Scope Poly

Salary:Competitive

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Machine Learning Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning, data science, and software engineering. You will work closely with data scientists, engineers, and product managers to design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and solutions that drive business value.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement machine learning models and algorithms to solve real-world problems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
  • Conduct data analysis and preprocessing to ensure high-quality data for model training.
  • Optimize and fine-tune models for performance, accuracy, and scalability.
  • Deploy machine learning models into production and monitor their performance.
  • Develop and maintain machine learning pipelines and infrastructure.
  • Stay current with the latest research and advancements in machine learning and AI.
  • Participate in code reviews, team meetings, and contribute to a collaborative development environment.
  • Document processes, models, and findings comprehensively.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. Ph.D. is a plus.
  • Proven experience as a Machine Learning Engineer or in a similar role.
  • Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc.
  • Solid understanding of machine learning algorithms, including supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning.
  • Experience with data processing tools like Pandas, NumPy, and data visualization tools such as Matplotlib or Seaborn.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for model deployment and scaling.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and analytically.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision.
  • Familiarity with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, or Kafka.
  • Knowledge of software development best practices and version control systems like Git.
  • Experience with containerization tools like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
  • Previous experience in a fast-paced, startup environment.
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