Research Assistant Machine Learning Jobs in Edwardsville, IL

Position Summary
We are seeking a skilled Machine Learning Engineer with approximately three years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and maintaining production-grade machine learning systems. In this role, you will collaborate closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to translate research models into reliable, scalable, and high-impact applications. You will be deeply involved in the end-to-end ML lifecycle-from data ingestion and feature engineering to deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement-playing a critical part in shaping our machine learning platform and capabilities.
This role can be 100% remote with light travel for the right person.
Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and optimize machine learning models for real-world business use cases and client-facing applications.
• Partner with data scientists to operationalize predictive models and ensure scalable, maintainable, and performant production deployments.
• Design and implement data pipelines and workflows that support training, inference, and model lifecycle management.
• Work with large, complex datasets to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and reliable version control across ML workflows.
• Implement model monitoring, logging, and alerting strategies to track performance, detect drift, and support retraining cycles.
• Leverage cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) to build scalable ML solutions using managed services and infrastructure-as-code practices.
• Write clean, modular, and well-documented code aligned with MLOps and software engineering best practices.
• Stay current on emerging ML tooling, frameworks, and industry best practices to continuously enhance our platform and capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in machine learning engineering, applied ML, or related software engineering roles.
• Strong proficiency in Python and experience with modern ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Experience with distributed data processing and compute frameworks (e.g., Pandas, Spark, Dask).
• Hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, testing automation, and version control using Git.
• Experience working with cloud-based ML platforms or services (e.g., SageMaker, Vertex AI, Databricks, or Snowflake ML) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of model evaluation, feature engineering, and performance optimization in production contexts.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

This is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $140,000-$180,000. Actual base pay could vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate's experience and education.
About Focus Financial Partners
Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate's skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law.
Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@focuspartners.com.
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For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.
For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.