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Senior Machine Learning Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

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Senior Machine Learning Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$69.2K

$115K

$171.1K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior machine learning scientist in Reston, VA is $115,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior machine learning scientist?

Senior Machine Learning Scientists are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models to solve complex business or research problems. They are responsible for leading projects, mentoring junior team members, and staying updated on the latest AI and data science technologies. Their work often involves analyzing large datasets, selecting the right algorithms, and optimizing model performance for real-world applications. In addition to technical expertise, they often collaborate cross-functionally to align machine learning solutions with organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior machine learning scientist?

To thrive as a Senior Machine Learning Scientist, you need expertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, programming (usually in Python or R), and an advanced degree (often a Ph.D.) in a quantitative field. Experience with tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, cloud platforms, and version control systems is typically expected, along with knowledge of deploying models in production environments. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you translate complex data insights into actionable business solutions and mentor junior team members. These skills are crucial for developing innovative models, ensuring robust deployment, and driving impactful data-driven decisions.

What are some common challenges senior machine learning scientists face when deploying models to production environments?

Senior Machine Learning Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring model scalability, maintaining model performance over time, and addressing data drift once models are deployed to production. Collaborating closely with engineering and operations teams is crucial to streamline deployment pipelines and monitor models for real-world reliability. It’s also important to communicate findings and potential risks to stakeholders, and to regularly update models based on new data or business requirements. These aspects make strong cross-functional teamwork and problem-solving skills essential in this role.

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

AspectSenior Machine Learning ScientistData Scientist
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in CS, ML, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in CS, Statistics, or related field
Work EnvironmentFocus on developing ML models, algorithms, and researchData analysis, visualization, and business insights
Industry UsageUsed in AI-driven companies, tech firms, research labsCommon across industries for data analysis and reporting

While both roles involve working with data, Senior Machine Learning Scientists focus on developing advanced ML models and algorithms, often requiring research and deep technical expertise. Data Scientists typically analyze data to generate insights and support decision-making. The roles overlap but differ mainly in technical depth and focus area.

Is a senior machine learning scientist a high paying job?

A senior machine learning scientist typically earns a high salary due to advanced skills in data analysis, programming, and model development, often exceeding average tech industry wages. Compensation varies by industry, location, and experience, but it generally reflects the specialized expertise required for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Machine Learning Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Machine Learning Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Machine Learning Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Machine Learning Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Machine Learning Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,217 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Senior Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer with Security Clearance

Waypoint Human Capital

Tysons, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Waypoint Human Capital Senior Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer * Tysons, VA Position Title: Senior Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site Position Location: Tysons, VA Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph or Full Scope Polygraph Waypoint's client is seeking a dynamic Senior Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer with an active TS/SCI CI Poly or higher to join their team. The Senior Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer will work directly with data scientists, software engineers, and subject matter experts in the definition of new analytics capabilities able to provide federal customers with the information they need to make proper decisions and enable their digital transformation. This position works directly with data scientists, software engineers, and subject matter experts to research, design, and deploy machine learning algorithms that support federal customers in digital transformation and data-driven decision making. They will contribute to new analytics capabilities and assist customers in building their own applications. This position requires a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or a related field, 5 to 10 years of relevant experience, and strong Python and applied ML skills. An active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph or Full Scope Polygraph is required. Responsibilities The responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Research, design, implement, and deploy Machine Learning algorithms for enterprise applications. * Assist and enable federal customers to build their own applications. * Contribute to the design and implementation of new features. Required * Active Top Secret clearance with CI Polygraph or Full Scope Polygraph. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or equivalent fields required. * MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or equivalent fields preferred. * Minimum 5–10 years relevant work experience preferred. * Excellent programming skills in Python. * Applied Machine Learning experience (regression and classification, supervised, and unsupervised learning). * Strong mathematical background (linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics). * Experience with scalable Machine Learning (MapReduce, streaming). * Ability to drive a project and work both independently and in a team. * Smart, motivated, can-do attitude, and seeks to make a difference. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Passion for developing team-oriented solutions to complex engineering problems. * Thrive in an autonomous, empowering, and exciting environment. * Ability to collaborate across multiple functional teams to improve scalability. * Ability to convey highly technical concepts and information in written form to both technical and non-technical audiences. * Ability to work on multiple concurrent projects. * Strong self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision. * Team-oriented, energetic, results- and delivery-focused, with a strong commitment to quality and meeting deadlines. * Ability to work in an Agile environment. Desired * Hands-on experience deploying and operating applications using IaaS and PaaS on major cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). * Proficient in leveraging modern LLM tools to accelerate development workflows and enhance code quality. * Experience with deep learning. * Experience with natural language processing (NLP). * Experience with computer vision. * Experience with reinforcement learning. Apply Now
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