Machine Learning Engineer I (Contractor)

Machine Learning Engineer I (Contractor)

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Hybrid/Onsite, Philadelphia, Reston, or Irvine, CA

Job Category: Data Engineering / Machine Learning

Long Term Contract

Overview

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer I to support the development of data-driven products and solutions. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer with experience working with large datasets, building data pipelines, and supporting machine learning initiatives. You will partner closely with Data Scientists and Research teams to prepare, process, and deliver high-quality data that powers machine learning models and advanced analytics solutions.

This position focuses heavily on data engineering and pipeline development in support of machine learning workflows. Candidates with strong Python and Apache Spark experience and a passion for working with data are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and optimize data pipelines for machine learning and analytics applications.
• Ingest, validate, cleanse, transform, and monitor large datasets used for model training and production systems.
• Support the implementation, refinement, validation, and deployment of machine learning algorithms and models.
• Collaborate with Data Scientists and researchers to prepare data for machine learning model training and evaluation.
• Assist with proof-of-concept initiatives and contribute to future product and application development efforts.
• Test, evaluate, and document solutions, including results, recommendations, and technical findings.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, requirements, evaluation plans, and project-related reports.
• Help monitor model performance and support production machine learning environments.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 2-3 years of professional experience in data engineering, machine learning engineering, software engineering, or a related technical role.
• Strong programming experience with Python.
• Hands-on experience working with large datasets and data processing frameworks.
• Experience developing and maintaining data pipelines.
• Experience using Apache Spark for data processing and transformation.
• Understanding of machine learning concepts and model development workflows.
• Knowledge of software development best practices and version control.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting the development, deployment, or monitoring of machine learning models.
• Familiarity with cloud and big data technologies such as Kafka, Spark, and Docker.
• Experience with Java or Scala.
• Exposure to machine learning, deep learning, data mining, or statistical analysis techniques.
• Experience working in collaborative Agile development environments.

Technical Environment

• Python
• Apache Spark
• Kafka
• Docker
• Java
• Scala
• Machine Learning
• Data Engineering
• Data Pipelines
• Data Validation & Cleansing

What We're Looking For

• Strong hands-on experience working with data and building scalable data pipelines.
• Ability to support machine learning initiatives by preparing and delivering high-quality data.
• Experience collaborating with Data Scientists and engineering teams.
• Someone focused on engineering solutions rather than dashboard development or traditional reporting/analytics work.

Compensation

About Us

Technology Doesn't Change the World, People Do.^®

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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