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Senior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Stafford, VA

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Role: Sr. Machine Learning Engineer Location: Ft. Belvoir, VA (On-site with Hybrid Option) Duration: Long Term Contract Clearance: DOD Top Secret Clearance (Must) As a consultant, will be working to ...

Must-Have Skills 3+ years of ML engineering experience -- model training, fine-tuning, or post-training pipelines in research or production Strong Python and deep learning proficiency (PyTorch ...

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Lead Machine Learning Engineer Location: Ft. Belvoir, VA (On-site with Hybrid Option) Duration: Long Term Contract As a consultant, will be working to assist a DoD U.S. Army Command to create ...

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Senior Machine Learning Engineer information

See Stafford, VA salary details

$59.4K

$126.2K

$183K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior machine learning engineer in Stafford, VA is $126,240.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,200.00 and $143,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges senior machine learning engineers face when deploying models to production, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Machine Learning Engineers often encounter challenges related to model scalability, maintaining performance in real-world scenarios, and ensuring reliable integration with existing systems. Addressing these challenges typically involves thorough testing, implementing robust monitoring for model drift, and collaborating closely with DevOps and software engineering teams to streamline deployment pipelines. Staying updated on best practices in MLOps and adopting tools for automated deployment and monitoring can greatly improve the reliability and efficiency of production models.

What does a senior machine learning engineer do?

A Senior Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and implements machine learning models to solve complex problems. They are responsible for selecting appropriate algorithms, preprocessing data, and optimizing model performance. Additionally, they collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to integrate machine learning solutions into production systems. Senior engineers also mentor junior team members and contribute to setting technical direction for machine learning projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior machine learning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and programming languages like Python or Java, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and cloud platforms, as well as familiarity with version control and CI/CD systems, is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate effectively and mentor junior team members. These capabilities are crucial for designing scalable ML solutions and driving impactful results within complex, dynamic projects.

What is the difference between Senior Machine Learning Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectSenior Machine Learning EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS, ML, or related; experience with ML frameworksBachelor's/Master's in CS, Statistics, or related; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops and deploys ML models in production systemsAnalyzes data, builds models, and provides insights
Industry UsageTech, finance, healthcare, e-commerceResearch, finance, marketing, tech

While both roles require strong technical skills and knowledge of machine learning, Senior Machine Learning Engineers focus more on deploying scalable ML solutions in production environments, whereas Data Scientists primarily analyze data and develop models for insights. The roles often overlap but differ in their core responsibilities and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Stafford, VA? For Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Stafford, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Stafford, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Stafford, VA are:
What cities near Stafford, VA are hiring for Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs? Cities near Stafford, VA with the most Senior Machine Learning Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Stafford, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,240 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Hirekeyz Inc

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Role: Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

Location: Ft. Belvoir, VA (On-site with Hybrid Option)

Duration: Long Term Contract

Clearance: DOD Top Secret Clearance (Must)

Job Description:

As a consultant, will be working to assist a DoD U.S. Army Command to create cybersecurity solutions working with cloud-based architecture (AWS Services).  You will work directly the stakeholders to understand requirements and work with Army’s Security teams to ensure the technologies available to the Government can be turned into solutions that they can use. Liaise with government software vendors and other asset creators; lead coordination of point solutions into broader capabilities for Army Defense Cyber Operations (DCO).  You will be helping our military defend our cyber security infrastructure by delivering software capabilities. 

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field
  • Master’s Degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field
  • Proven experience in a machine learning or AI engineering role
  • Strong proficiency in Python, C++, or Java
  • Extensive experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) for deploying ML solutions
  • Experience with data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model selection
  • Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software architecture
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  • Commitment to writing clean, efficient, and well-tested code
  • Self-motivated, with the ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment

Preferred Skills:

  • Certifications in Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence / Data Science
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies
  • 3-5 years of experience in a ML/AI development role