Machine Learning Developer

Ports North; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 82,656 - 96,432; Full time

Job summary

Ports North seeks a Machine Learning Python Developer to lead end-to-end ML model development in Jersey City, NJ. The role focuses on deploying scalable models and building robust ML infrastructure for training, validation, and real-time inference.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with data scientists, and drive MLOps practices, monitoring, and retraining strategies to ensure reliability. Contract-to-hire in a FinTech context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in CS, Data Science, Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience deploying ML models in production.
• Expert Python programming; exposure to Java/Scala; strong CS fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design, development, and deployment of scalable ML models in production.
• Architect robust ML infrastructure and data pipelines for training, validation, and real-time inference.
• Set standards for code quality, model governance, and MLOps practices.

Skills

Python programming

Java

Scala

Data structures & algorithms

Distributed systems

Cloud platforms AWS

Docker & Kubernetes

Education

Bachelor's or master's in CS/Data Science/Engineering

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

MLflow

Kubeflow

SageMaker

Vertex AI

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

We have partnered with our client in their search for a Machine Learning Python Developer for a contract to hire opportunity in Jersey City, NJ.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of scalable machine learning models and systems in production.
• Architect robust, high-performance ML infrastructure and data pipelines that support training, validation, and real-time inference.
• Drive technical decision-making, setting standards for code quality, model governance, and MLOps practices.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers through code reviews, pairing, and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with data scientists to operationalize advanced research into reliable, production‑ready services.
• Define and implement monitoring, observability, and automated retraining strategies to ensure model reliability and detect drift.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and business leadership to shape ML roadmaps and translate strategic goals into technical deliverables.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging ML technologies, frameworks, and methodologies to keep the organization at the forefront of innovation.
• Own the technical health of ML systems, including performance optimization, cost efficiency, and scalability.

Skills Required

• Expert-level programming skills in Python, with basic understanding in additional languages such as Java, Scala.
• Advanced understanding of data structures, algorithms, distributed systems, and software engineering principles.
• Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS) and containerization / orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of deep learning, NLP, computer vision, or large language models.
• Experience with distributed training, model optimization, and high‑throughput serving infrastructure.
• Understanding of ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit‑learn.
• Deep experience with MLOps tooling (MLflow, Kubeflow, SageMaker, Vertex AI) and CI/CD for ML.
• Proven experience designing and maintaining large-scale data processing systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands‑on experience deploying machine learning models in production, with a track record of delivering large‑scale systems.

Location

Jersey City, NJ

Client Industry

FinTech

Compensation

$60-70/hr