Machine Learning Engineer

Overview

Placement Type:

Temporary

Salary:

$80-90 Hourly

up to $90.00/hr

Start Date:

Jul 1, 2026

A leading technology innovator, this organization is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions that shape the future of artificial intelligence and machine learning. They are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, fostering a culture of rapid innovation, and translating complex research into practical, impactful technologies that empower users worldwide. Aquent is proud to partner with this visionary client to find exceptional talent.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled AI/ML professional to join a dynamic research-focused team. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications, directly influencing the direction of emerging technologies. Your contributions will drive the development of novel machine learning solutions, rapidly prototype innovative ideas, and help identify technologies poised for significant investment and adoption, ultimately shaping the next generation of intelligent systems.

**Responsibilities:**
* Collaborate with research teams to evaluate, adapt, and operationalize emerging AI and machine learning innovations into functional prototypes and experimental systems.
* Design and execute quantitative and qualitative experiments to measure model performance, user engagement, research impact, and technology adoption.
* Develop evaluation frameworks, benchmarks, and success metrics for advanced AI systems, including generative models, multimodal experiences, and agent-based workflows.
* Fine-tune, validate, and benchmark machine learning models using real-world datasets and advanced research techniques.
* Build rapid prototypes and proofs-of-concept to help stakeholders assess the practical value of new technologies.
* Stay current with advances in machine learning, generative AI, agentic systems, multimodal models, and evaluation methodologies, identifying opportunities to apply new capabilities.
* Fine-tune and improve sophisticated software implementations.
* Gather and analyze system requirements, document specifications, and develop software solutions to meet client needs.
* Analyze and review enhancement requests and specifications.
* Implement system software and customize to client requirements.
* Prepare detailed software specifications and test plans.
* Code new programs to client specifications and create test data for testing.
* Modify existing programs to new standards and conduct unit testing.
* Create migration packages for system testing, user testing, and implementation.
* Provide quality assurance reviews.
* Perform post-implementation validation of software and resolve any bugs found during testing.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**
* Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as computer science, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
* 5-7 years of relevant experience in machine learning, AI development, coding, and prototyping.
* Strong technical foundations in software engineering, machine learning, statistics, and experimental design.
* Experience building data-intensive applications, machine learning systems, experimentation platforms, or AI-powered products.
* Experience evaluating, debugging, and improving machine learning models, data pipelines, and AI-powered applications.
* Proficiency in programming with experience in problem diagnosis and resolution.
* Ability to thrive in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments where requirements evolve through experimentation and discovery.
* Experience with foundation models, generative AI systems, multimodal models, agentic workflows, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or related AI technologies.
* Availability for at least a 12-month assignment.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**
* Demonstrated strong flexibility and adaptability.
* Ability to rapidly ramp up on new projects (within 1-3 days) and deliver results quickly (within approximately 5 days).
* Hands-on experience with AI-assisted coding and rapid prototyping.
* Availability for an 18-month assignment is preferred.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.