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Senior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Universal Avionics

Director of Engineering

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Your teams will work across artificial intelligence and machine learning, software, systems ... Represent Engineering with senior leadership and translate complex technical topics into clear ...

Arete Associates

Scientist (Algorithm Developer)

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$85K - $145K/yr

Demonstrated experience with signal processing, image processing, computer vision, or machine learning * Experience programming in Python, C, C++, MATLAB or similar languages * Intellectual curiosity ...

Varsity Tutors

Data Science Tutor

Tucson, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of statistical analysis, data wrangling, exploratory data analysis, machine learning, data visualization, SQL, Python or R programming, hypothesis testing, and communication of data ...

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All JobsMachine Learning Engineer JobsSenior Machine Learning Engineer JobsSenior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Senior Machine Learning Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$51.2K

$108.8K

$157.8K

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior machine learning engineer in Tucson, AZ is $108,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,800.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

For Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Senior Machine Learning Engineer job openings:

Senior Machine Learning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Machine Learning Engineer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,800 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Director of Engineering

Universal Avionics

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Tucson, AZ (Onsite) | Aerospace & Avionics
Lead AI, Software, Systems Engineering & Image Processing
Shape the Technology Behind the Next Generation of Flight
Build What Comes Next in Aviation
Most engineering leaders never get the opportunity to shape technologies designed to operate in mission-critical environments at 30,000+ feet.
At Universal Avionics, you will!
We're looking for a Director of Engineering who can bring together advanced technology, strong technical leadership, and the realities of aircraft integration. You'll lead talented multidisciplinary teams, influence the direction of future products, and help turn emerging ideas in AI, software, computer vision, and systems engineering into reliable technologies built for real-world aviation.
The Opportunity
Universal Avionics develops advanced avionics, enhanced vision systems, and intelligent cockpit technologies designed to improve aviation safety, situational awareness, and the future flight experience.
As Director of Engineering - AI, Software & Systems Engineering, you'll lead a multidisciplinary organization at the center of some of our most advanced technology initiatives. Your teams will work across artificial intelligence and machine learning, software, systems engineering, computer vision, image processing, video analytics, and aircraft-level integration.
This role isn't about being the deepest technical expert in every discipline. It's about having the technical judgment to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, evaluate competing approaches, and help talented engineers make strong architecture and design decisions.
You'll also play a critical role in building the organization itself-developing technical leaders, strengthening engineering practices, shaping capabilities for the future, and creating an environment where innovation and disciplined execution reinforce one another.
What You'll Do
  • Set and communicate technical direction across AI/ML, software, systems engineering, computer vision, and image processing
  • Guide architecture and complex engineering decisions while balancing innovation with aircraft constraints, reliability, safety, and business priorities
  • Lead the integration of software, hardware, sensors, interfaces, and aircraft-level systems into cohesive, reliable solutions
  • Identify technical risks early and help teams make thoughtful, evidence-based tradeoffs
  • Build, develop, and retain a high-performing multidisciplinary engineering organization
  • Coach engineering managers, technical leaders, engineers, and emerging talent while creating clear expectations and accountability
  • Strengthen engineering practices that improve technical quality, predictability, collaboration, and execution
  • Partner across Product, Program Management, Certification, Operations, and customer-facing teams to move technologies from advanced concepts toward aircraft-ready solutions
  • Represent Engineering with senior leadership and translate complex technical topics into clear business, program, and customer implications
  • Align engineering talent, capacity, and investment with future product strategy and customer commitments
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a technical leader who can operate comfortably at the intersection of technology, people, aviation, and execution.
You'll bring:
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations and developing strong technical leaders
  • Relevant experience with aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, or airborne product development
  • Practical technical depth across areas such as AI/ML, software engineering, systems engineering, computer vision, or image processing
  • The ability to guide system architecture, integration strategy, and complex technical decision-making
  • Experience building teams, developing talent, establishing accountability, and evolving organizational capabilities
  • Strong understanding of how hardware, software, sensors, interfaces, and aircraft-level systems come together
  • Ability to balance emerging technology and innovation with technical rigor, reliability, customer needs, and execution
  • Executive-level communication skills with the ability to influence both highly technical teams and senior business stakeholders
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field

An advanced technical degree is preferred. Experience with commercial or military aviation products is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of FAA requirements and aviation development/certification frameworks such as DO-178C, DO-254, and ARP4754A is a strong advantage, but not required.
Why Employees Love Working Here
  • Shape technologies that have a direct connection to real-world aviation
  • Lead teams working at the intersection of AI, computer vision, software, and advanced avionics
  • Influence both near-term product execution and long-term technical strategy
  • Work with complex engineering challenges where safety, reliability, and performance truly matter
  • Build and develop an engineering organization-not simply manage one
  • Collaborate directly with technical leaders, business leadership, programs, and customers
  • Help transform emerging technologies into solutions designed for demanding aircraft environments
What Success Looks Like
  • A clear technical strategy that connects advanced technology investments to product and business priorities
  • Strong engineering teams with capable leaders, clear accountability, and a culture of technical excellence
  • Better alignment and execution across AI, software, systems, hardware, and aircraft integration
  • Complex technical decisions are made thoughtfully, with risks and tradeoffs understood early
  • Engineering delivers with greater quality, predictability, and technical rigor
  • Emerging technologies successfully progress toward reliable, aircraft-ready solutions
  • Engineering priorities, resources, and capabilities remain aligned with customer commitments and the company's future product strategy
  • You become a trusted technical and organizational leader across the business
Our Mindset & Core Values
Innovation
We advance avionics technology through creative engineering and continuous improvement.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to high standards in quality, reliability, and execution.
Resilience
We solve complex technical challenges in demanding aerospace environments.
"Yes, I Can" Ownership
We value leaders who are proactive, collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented-and who create that same sense of ownership within their teams.
Benefits & Perks
Universal Avionics offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees and their families, including:
Universal Avionics offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees and their families, including:
Benefits begin on your first day as a full-time employee.
      • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
      • 401(k) with safe harbor match within 60 days
      • 9/80 work schedule option
      • Every other Friday off
      • Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
      • Tuition reimbursement
      • Wellness and employee assistance programs
      • And more
Work Environment
This is an onsite leadership role based in Tucson, Arizona, where close collaboration with engineering teams, laboratories, business leaders, and cross-functional partners is essential to the work.
Occasional travel may be required to support customers, company locations, industry events, or other business priorities.
Ready to Build What's Next in Aerospace?
If you're energized by advanced technology, complex engineering challenges, and the opportunity to build and lead an exceptional technical organization, we want to hear from you.
Join Universal Avionics and help shape the teams, technologies, and engineering capabilities advancing the future of flight.
Learn more: UniversalAvionics.com
Universal Avionics' products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Employment eligibility may depend on applicable export-control requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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