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Senior Machine Learning Researcher Jobs in California

Senior Machine Learning Scientist

San Jose, CA · Remote

$107K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Senior Machine Learning Scientist The Senior Machine Learning Scientist is responsible for building ... Read and apply relevant academic and industry research to improve model architectures, training ...

AIML - Machine Learning Researcher, MLR

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Play a part in building the next revolution in machine learning technology. We're looking for passionate researchers to work on ambitious, curiosity-driven, long-term research projects. In this role ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$165K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will work alongside gameplay engineers, producers ... Research and implement on-device small language and other local models for scalable incorporation ...

AIML - Machine Learning Researcher, MLR

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Play a part in building the next revolution in machine learning technology. We're looking for passionate researchers to work on ambitious, curiosity-driven, long-term research projects. In this role ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 14, 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 cities in California are hiring for Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Machine Learning Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Machine Learning Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,604 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Required, Work From Home

Ginas Tech Jobs

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$123K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Required, Work From Home

As the Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you are an independent owner of critical Machine Learning (ML) subsystems in production.  You take ambiguous problems, design practical solutions, and ship systems that operate reliably at scale.  This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on depth.  This position is 100% Remote.

Senior Machine Learning Engineer Responsibilities:

- Build core Machine Learning (ML) systems that power a proactive, long-horizon Artificial Intelligence (AI) product.

- Own work end-to-end: data preparation, training, evaluation, inference, and iteration.

- Turn research ideas into working systems that run reliably in production.

- Debug model failures and system issues using real production signals.

- Iterate quickly: ship, measure outcomes, refine, and repeat.

- Collaborate closely with research, product, and engineering to deliver real user impact.

- Mentor and review work from other Machine Learning (ML) engineers through example and technical judgment.

- Work under real production constraints: latency, cost, reliability, and safety

Senior Machine Learning Engineer Outcomes:

- Machine Learning (ML) models and systems in production consistently meet accuracy, latency, reliability, and efficiency targets.

- Complex production issues are monitored, debugged, and resolved with minimal disruption.

- Training, inference, and data pipelines are robust, scalable, and maintainable over time.

- Drive measurable improvements in Machine Learning (ML) systems based on real-world signals and user feedback.

- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to peers, raising the overall ML engineering standard.

- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure Machine Learning (ML) features integrate seamlessly into products and meet business goals.

Qualifications

Senior Machine Learning Engineer Qualifications:

- Experience building and shipping Machine Learning (ML) systems used by real users.

- Artificial Intelligence (AI) experience required.

- Experience understanding how modern Machine Learning (ML) models behave and misbehave in production.

- Experience writing strong, production-quality code and think in systems, not scripts.

- Experience taking ownership, work independently, and push work across the finish line.

- You learn fast, communicate clearly, and improve through iteration.

- Tech Stack:  GPU-based training and inference systems, JAX, Python, and PyTorch.

Benefits include medical insurance, Dental, Vision, Savings Plan Options, PTO, etc.

Keywords:  San Francisco CA Jobs, Senior Machine Learning Engineer, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, GPU, JAX, Machine Learning, Python, PyTorch, Work From Home, Remote, California Recruiters, IT Jobs, California Recruiting

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Additional Information

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