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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$134K - $180K/yr

The Machine Learning Engineer will tackle challenging problems and create scalable machine learning systems and platforms that make an impact on millions of users. This role will work closely with ...

As a Principal ML Engineer at Dedrone, you will contribute to architecting and implementing the ... new machine learning models and AI capabilities, leading to better and more responsible AI ...

About the role As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer in the Agentic Data Platform organization, you will: * Set the technical direction . Define and own the multi-quarter architecture roadmap for ...

Toast is looking for a hands-on Principal Software Engineer to join the AI & Strategy Engineering ... backend engineering and Machine Learning implementation. You will bridge our custom quoting ...

As a Principal ML Engineer at Dedrone, you will contribute to architecting and implementing the ... new machine learning models and AI capabilities, leading to better and more responsible AI ...

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$151K - $203K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Principal Machine Learning Engineer to design and deliver intelligent, distributed systems that power large-scale AI and large language model (LLM ...

... machine-generated data - including logs, time series, traces, and events. We combine deep AI ... Partner with executive leadership, engineering, product, and data science teams to ensure AI ...

We are seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to design, build, and operate scalable AI/ML systems and agentic architectures that support next-generation legal research and analytics products.

Define and drive machine learning strategy across multiple domains and product areas while actively ... Define and implement scalable feature engineering and data pipeline strategies * Lead cross ...

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Principal Machine Learning Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

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 the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.
More about Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Machine Learning Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

iHerb

OR

$134K - $180K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


iHerb rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary: 

The Machine Learning Engineer will tackle challenging problems and create scalable machine learning systems and platforms that make an impact on millions of users. This role will work closely with business partners to provide machine intelligence driven solutions and products to simplify and enhance the customer experience and to automate core business processes. The Machine Learning Engineer will partner closely with Data Scientists, Applied Scientists, and Software Developers to ensure predictive models make business impact.

Job Expectations: 

  • Partner with the Data Platform team in a two-way exchange of best practices

  • Adopt common patterns and build effective abstractions across different machine learning pipelines that simplify existing machine learning processes and accelerate the modelling process from the business problem's inception to deploying a model solution into production

  • Develop horizontal solutions to robustly scale the team's machine learning models and processes

  • Build software with Object-oriented Design Patterns and Analysis (OOA and OOD) with an eye toward reducing technical debt and maintaining services at high availability

  • Participate in requirements reviews, design reviews, and code reviews

  • Research and prototype new technologies to support the rapid growth of the business

  • Interact cross-functionally with a wide variety of technical teams and work closely with data and applied scientists to identify opportunities to improve on iHerb's platform

The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job. Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

   Required:

  • Strong coding experience (e.g. Java, C#, Python)

  • Experience with gathering data from multiple sources using big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop, BigQuery, Athena, etc.)

  • Experience building machine learning infrastructure following robust software engineering practices

  • Knowledge of modern software development tools, systems, and practices (design patterns, CI/CD, git, unit testing, smoke testing, integration testing, job schedulers, cloud technologies like AWS Lambdas and Google functions, etc.)

  • Exposure to all aspects of the software development life-cycle

  • Experience with messaging technologies (Kafka, Google Pub/Sub, Kinesis, RabbitMQ, etc.)

  • Experience with Docker and Kubernetes

  • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

  • Excellent organization skills and ability to multitask

Equipment Knowledge: 

  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Experience with Google Business Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) preferred

Experience Requirements:

Generally requires a minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in applied machine learning or machine learning systems/infrastructure, and one (1) year of relevant work experience in machine learning engineering or related fields. (e.g., as a Machine Learning Engineer, ML Ops engineer, or related position).

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field required, Masters Degree preferred.

Judgment/Reasoning Ability:  Able to identify, troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly using sound judgment, poise and diplomacy.  Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills, and determine when to escalate issues, as required, in a timely manner.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to talk and hear. The Team Member is frequently required to sit, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers, bend, stoop and reach with hands and arms.  Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the work day. The Team Member may occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 25 pounds. Proper lifting techniques required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: The noise in the work environment is usually moderate. Other factors are:

  • Hectic, fast-paced with multi-level distractions

  • Professional, yet casual work environment

  • Office / Warehouse environment

  • Ability to work extended hours as required

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