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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Washington

AISquared

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Job Summary : aisquared is a company focused on AI solutions, and they are seeking a highly skilled Machine Learning Engineer to join their core AI team. In this role, you will be responsible for ...

10a Labs

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer (3-5+ years of experience) to help design, build, evaluate, and deploy advanced machine learning systems across a range of safety, security, and ...

Spear AI

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

We're seeking a skilled Machine Learning Engineer to build and deploy production ML systems for the next-generation data management and artificial intelligence platform for maritime domain awareness.

10a Labs

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer (3-5+ years of experience) to help design, build, evaluate, and deploy advanced machine learning systems across a range of safety, security, and ...

Capital One

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$103K - $136K/yr

Lead Machine Learning Engineer As a Capital One Machine Learning Engineer (MLE), you'll be part of an Agile team dedicated to productionizing machine learning applications and systems at scale. You ...

Capital One

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$103K - $136K/yr

Lead Machine Learning Engineer As a Capital One Machine Learning Engineer (MLE), you'll be part of an Agile team dedicated to productionizing machine learning applications and systems at scale. You ...

Ametek

Machine Learning Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

We are seeking an early-career Machine Learning Engineer who is excited to grow rapidly by building and deploying production-grade ML systems. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering mindset ...

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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 Jul 11, 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 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.
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:
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,741 per year, or $80.2 per hour.
Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton

Washington, DC

$77K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 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:

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

  • Experience with Python coding and libraries, including scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch

  • Experience with developing code using a common programming language, including Python, C++, Rust, or Java

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

  • Experience with data handling and model development

  • Experience with leveraging AI productivity tools for coding, such as Cursor

  • 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.

What Booz Allen Hamilton employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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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

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