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Senior Machine Learning Researcher Jobs in California

Rivet Industries

Machine Learning Researcher

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $290K/yr

Machine Learning Researcher Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131 Compensation*: $150,000-$290,000 + benefits Role Description We are seeking a talented ML Researcher ...

Freenome

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $194K/yr

The Senior Machine Learning Research Engineer will primarily be responsible for developing and deploying the infrastructure needed to support development of such DL models: enabling distributed DL ...

Alljoined

Machine Learning Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $250K/yr

About the Role We're seeking a talented Machine Learning Researcher to join our core R&D team. This role involves designing and implementing advanced machine learning models for EEG-based neural ...

Freenome

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$147K - $194K/yr

The Senior Machine Learning Research Engineer will primarily be responsible for developing and deploying the infrastructure needed to support development of such DL models: enabling distributed DL ...

MSCI

Machine Learning Researcher

San Francisco, CA

$144K - $187K/yr

Conduct research using machine learning methodologies that integrate financial theory with deep learning and reinforcement learning * Design and develop models that convert AI-extracted signals from ...

Freenome

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $194K/yr

The Senior Machine Learning Research Engineer will primarily be responsible for developing and deploying the infrastructure needed to support development of such DL models: enabling distributed DL ...

Qualcomm

Machine Learning Researcher

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Researcher General Summary: Qualcomm AI Research is looking for world-class researchers in artificial intelligence to join our team. Members of ...

MSCI

Machine Learning Researcher

San Francisco, CA

$144K - $187K/yr

MSCI is establishing a Machine Learning Center of Excellence within the Research & Development team to develop machine learning models that power investment tools for institutional clients. We are ...

MSCI

Machine Learning Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Conduct research using machine learning methodologies that integrate financial theory with deep learning and reinforcement learning * Design and develop models that convert AI-extracted signals from ...

Qualcomm

Machine Learning Researcher

San Diego, CA · On-site

... machine learning models, systems, platforms, or methods. Preferred : • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields or MS with 4+ years of AI research, or related work ...

PayPal, Inc.

Sr Machine Learning Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

PayPal, Inc. seeks Sr Machine Learning Engineer in San Jose, CA Job Duties ... Conduct cutting-edge research in machine learning to develop solutions that address complex ...

PayPal

Sr Machine Learning Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

PayPal, Inc. seeks Sr Machine Learning Engineer in San Jose, CA Job Duties ... Conduct cutting-edge research in machine learning to develop solutions that address complex ...

PayPal

Sr Machine Learning Engineer

San Jose, CA

$143K - $189K/yr

PayPal, Inc. seeks Sr Machine Learning Engineer in San Jose, CA Job Duties ... Conduct cutting-edge research in machine learning to develop solutions that address complex ...

Kiddom

Machine Learning Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

As a Machine Learning Researcher , you will play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI in education. Your work will assist teachers by personalizing their teaching ...

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All JobsSenior Machine Learning Researcher JobsSenior Machine Learning Researcher Jobs in California

Senior Machine Learning Researcher information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$75.6K

$135.7K

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior machine learning researcher in California is $75,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What opportunities for collaboration typically exist for Senior Machine Learning Researchers within a company?

Senior Machine Learning Researchers frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, software developers, and domain experts. This collaboration ensures that research insights are effectively translated into scalable solutions and integrated into products or services. Researchers often participate in brainstorming sessions, code reviews, and joint publications, fostering a culture of innovation and shared knowledge. These interactions not only drive the success of projects but also provide valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities.

What does a Senior Machine Learning Researcher do?

A Senior Machine Learning Researcher leads the development and application of advanced machine learning models to solve complex problems. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing large datasets, publishing research findings, and collaborating with engineering teams to implement solutions. Additionally, they mentor junior researchers, stay updated with the latest advancements in AI, and often contribute to setting the research agenda for their organization.

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

AspectSenior Machine Learning ResearcherData Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in CS, ML, or related fieldsDegree in CS, statistics, or related fields; certifications optional
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D teams, academiaBusiness analytics, product teams, startups
Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in tech, academia, R&DData analysis, business insights, product development
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research vs applied roles in MLExploring data analysis careers and skills

While both roles involve working with data and machine learning, a Senior Machine Learning Researcher primarily focuses on developing new algorithms and advancing ML theory in research settings. In contrast, a Data Scientist applies existing models to analyze data, generate insights, and support business decisions. The roles differ mainly in their focus—research innovation versus practical application—though they share overlapping skills and credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Machine Learning Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Machine Learning Researcher, you need advanced knowledge in machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, programming (typically in Python), and a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD or Master's in computer science or a related field. Experience with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, as well as familiarity with cloud computing platforms and research publication, is often required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and present complex ideas clearly. These skills and qualities are essential for driving innovation, developing robust models, and translating research into practical, impactful solutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California? For Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Machine Learning Researcher job openings:
Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Machine Learning Researcher job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,604 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Machine Learning Researcher

Machine Learning Researcher

Harnham

South San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Title: ML Scientist

Location: Fully remote or optional hybrid in South SF - Strong preference to PST or MST.


About the Role

Our client is a fast-growing, AI-driven biotech research startup based in SF with more than $50 million in funding from a pharmaceutical giant.


Responsibilities

As a Machine Learning Research Scientist, you will:

  • Design, implement, and train foundation models with multimodal bio data.
  • Continually improve the robustness of existing codebase through refactoring, testing, and best engineering practices.
  • Rapidly prototype research ideas to determine best research approaches.
  • Apply our ML pipeline to new drug targets, ensuring state-of-the-art performance and scalability.


Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science or Mathematics (Master’s degree acceptable if qualifications below are met).
  • First-author publications in journals like NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, ECCV, CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, or ACM).

Expertise in Machine Learning, with deep experience in areas like:

  • Foundation models
  • Self-supervised learning
  • Multimodal learning
  • Autoregressive models

2+ years of experience developing robust code in larger projects, including:

  • Code review & refactoring
  • Unit testing & version control
  • Collaborative software development
  • Strong Python and PyTorch expertise


Apply