Director of Machine Learning Jobs
Director of Machine Learning jobs are open across technology, finance, healthcare, and retail, from senior individual contributor to VP-level leadership, with specializations in natural language processing, computer vision, and large-scale recommendation systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 1,950+ Director of Machine Learning jobs
Standard Job Description
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control (MFC) is seeking a Staff AI/ML Engineer to join The Forge, our internal data and AI consultancy. You will partner with high visibility Missile and Fire Control programs to translate raw data into AI driven solutions that cut costs, accelerate production, and sustain our competitive edge.
The Work:
As Staff AI/ML Engineer for The Forge you will take on a leadership role, owning the technical execution of the program customer project. You will leverage advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning to drive data-driven decision making across MFC engineering and production. You will apply advanced statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization methods to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in data from engineering development and production sources. You will develop, implement, and advocate for AI-powered solutions.
Some of the core responsibilities will be:
Design, develop, and deploy end to end AI/ML pipelines that support engineering design, manufacturing, and business operations challenges (e.g., test point reduction, automated calibration, AI enhanced document search, computer vision inspection).
Build and implement edge deployed AI/ML solutions for classified, air gapped environments.
Lead cross functional solution teams, Engineering Design & Development, Production, and Business Operations, using a standard consulting style project framework.
Partner directly with program customers to understand pain points, define value driven outcomes, and deliver measurable results (cost, labor, yield, schedule).
Own the full DevOps lifecycle: CI/CD, containerization, model monitoring, and governance for secure, high assurance AI in defense systems.
Who We Are:
The Forge is Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control internal data and AI consultancy, created to meet the accelerating pressure of firm fixed price contracts and rapid program ramps. Operating like an independent consulting firm inside Lockheed Martin, we deliver AI enabled insights that drive critical cost and schedule reduction initiatives. Our customer centric, value first mindset makes us a trusted partner across engineering, production, and business ops, turning complex data into decisive, cost saving actions.
Who You Are:
You are a technically proficient leader with over seven years of hands-on experience building and scaling AI/ML solutions, ranging from supervised/unsupervised machine learning, deep learning models, computer vision systems or large language models. Your background includes solid engineering design work in aerospace or defense, giving you an intimate understanding of design processes, tools, and challenges. You approach every engagement with a consulting mindset, scoping, delivering, and rigorously measuring value for internal customers, while communicating complex concepts clearly to senior stakeholders. A proactive lifelong learner, you stay ahead of the latest AI tools and trends and actively share that knowledge across the team. You thrive autonomously, taking full ownership of end-to-end projects, and you excel in customer facing roles where you build trust, drive results, and champion continuous improvement.
Further Information About This Opportunity:
This position is on-site in Chelmsford, MA. We offer flexible work schedules and comprehensive benefits, investing in your future and security. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.
This position is in Chelmsford. Discover more about our Chelmsford, Massachusetts location.
Basic Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or a related field
- Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret Clearance
- 5+ years of experience in AI/ML research and development, with a strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI such as LLMs
- Proficiency with python and agentic IDEs
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks and libraries, including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and MCPs
- Must have the ability to lay out technical roadmaps and communicate those plans and solutions to both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desired Skills
- Excellent technical and executive communication skills
- Experience with AI/ML ethics, fairness, and transparency
- Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning techniques, agentic systems and LLMs
- Experience in full AI System solutioning including but not limited to, MLOps, retrieval systems, security, frontend UX/UI design, reliability, evaluation and verification
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build effective working relationships
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to create solutions to difficult problems often requiring integration of conflicting and, at times, ambiguous or incomplete data on a rapid schedule
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Standard Job Description
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control (MFC) is seeking a Staff AI/ML Engineer to join The Forge, our internal data and AI consultancy. You will partner with high visibility Missile and Fire Control programs to translate raw data into AI driven solutions that cut costs, accelerate production, and sustain our competitive edge.
The Work:
As Staff AI/ML Engineer for The Forge you will take on a leadership role, owning the technical execution of the program customer project. You will leverage advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning to drive data-driven decision making across MFC engineering and production. You will apply advanced statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization methods to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in data from engineering development and production sources. You will develop, implement, and advocate for AI-powered solutions.
Some of the core responsibilities will be:
Design, develop, and deploy end to end AI/ML pipelines that support engineering design, manufacturing, and business operations challenges (e.g., test point reduction, automated calibration, AI enhanced document search, computer vision inspection).
Build and implement edge deployed AI/ML solutions for classified, air gapped environments.
Lead cross functional solution teams, Engineering Design & Development, Production, and Business Operations, using a standard consulting style project framework.
Partner directly with program customers to understand pain points, define value driven outcomes, and deliver measurable results (cost, labor, yield, schedule).
Own the full DevOps lifecycle: CI/CD, containerization, model monitoring, and governance for secure, high assurance AI in defense systems.
Who We Are:
The Forge is Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control internal data and AI consultancy, created to meet the accelerating pressure of firm fixed price contracts and rapid program ramps. Operating like an independent consulting firm inside Lockheed Martin, we deliver AI enabled insights that drive critical cost and schedule reduction initiatives. Our customer centric, value first mindset makes us a trusted partner across engineering, production, and business ops, turning complex data into decisive, cost saving actions.
Who You Are:
You are a technically proficient leader with over seven years of hands-on experience building and scaling AI/ML solutions, ranging from supervised/unsupervised machine learning, deep learning models, computer vision systems or large language models. Your background includes solid engineering design work in aerospace or defense, giving you an intimate understanding of design processes, tools, and challenges. You approach every engagement with a consulting mindset, scoping, delivering, and rigorously measuring value for internal customers, while communicating complex concepts clearly to senior stakeholders. A proactive lifelong learner, you stay ahead of the latest AI tools and trends and actively share that knowledge across the team. You thrive autonomously, taking full ownership of end-to-end projects, and you excel in customer facing roles where you build trust, drive results, and champion continuous improvement.
Further Information About This Opportunity:
This position is on-site in Chelmsford, MA. We offer flexible work schedules and comprehensive benefits, investing in your future and security. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.
This position is in Chelmsford. Discover more about our Chelmsford, Massachusetts location.
Basic Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or a related field
- Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret Clearance
- 5+ years of experience in AI/ML research and development, with a strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI such as LLMs
- Proficiency with python and agentic IDEs
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks and libraries, including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and MCPs
- Must have the ability to lay out technical roadmaps and communicate those plans and solutions to both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desired Skills
- Excellent technical and executive communication skills
- Experience with AI/ML ethics, fairness, and transparency
- Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning techniques, agentic systems and LLMs
- Experience in full AI System solutioning including but not limited to, MLOps, retrieval systems, security, frontend UX/UI design, reliability, evaluation and verification
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build effective working relationships
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to create solutions to difficult problems often requiring integration of conflicting and, at times, ambiguous or incomplete data on a rapid schedule
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Director of Machine Learning Jobs by Experience Level
See All 1,950+ Director of Machine Learning Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsDirector of Machine Learning Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Apple174
- TikTok115
- Meta51
- Uber45
- Pinterest39
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software318
- Artificial Intelligence66
- Electronics & Hardware51
- Social Media33
- Automotive27
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of machine learning jobs.
- Advanced degree in computer science, statistics, or a related quantitative field
- Proven experience leading and growing machine learning or data science teams
- Deep proficiency with Python and ML frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Experience deploying and monitoring production machine learning systems at scale
- Strong background in one or more domains: NLP, computer vision, or recommender systems
- Ability to translate business objectives into machine learning roadmaps and priorities
Tips for Your Director of Machine Learning Job Search
Quantify model impact on your resume
Hiring committees for director roles want to see business outcomes, not just technical specs. Replace 'built a recommendation model' with the latency improvement, revenue lift, or cost reduction it delivered. Directors own results, not experiments.
Show cross-functional leadership explicitly
Director of machine learning roles require managing relationships with product, engineering, and business leaders. Your resume should name the teams you partnered with and the decisions you influenced, not just the models your team shipped.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of machine learning openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target companies with mature ML infrastructure
Job postings that mention MLOps platforms, feature stores, or model governance signal a company ready for a director. Roles asking you to build the first ML team are a different job, often with different scope and expectations than the title suggests.
Prepare a system design narrative for interviews
Director-level machine learning interviews frequently include a whiteboard session on designing a production ML system end to end. Practice walking through data pipelines, training infrastructure, serving architecture, and monitoring in one coherent narrative before your first screen.
Negotiate scope before you negotiate terms
Before discussing compensation, clarify headcount ownership, budget authority, and whether the role reports to a CTO or a VP of product. Misaligned scope is the most common reason new directors leave within a year, and it's fully negotiable at the offer stage.
Director of Machine Learning Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of machine learnings?
The companies hiring the most director of machine learnings right now include Apple, TikTok, and Meta, with the largest share of openings in California, Washington, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Technology and financial services companies consistently account for the largest concentration of these openings.
How many director of machine learning jobs are remote?
About 53% of director of machine learning openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting strong demand for distributed leadership across the field. Roles focused on research-adjacent work, such as large language model development and applied NLP, tend to have the highest remote availability compared to on-site infrastructure or operations-heavy positions.
How do you become a director of machine learning?
Most directors of machine learning move up from senior or staff machine learning engineer or data scientist roles after demonstrating both technical depth and people leadership. The path typically involves leading a project end to end, then managing a small team, then owning a product area. Building visible cross-functional relationships and delivering measurable business impact accelerates the transition more than credentials alone.
Can you get hired as a director of machine learning without prior director experience?
Yes, candidates are regularly hired into their first director of machine learning role when they can demonstrate that they have already been doing the work at a staff or principal level. Showing that you have set technical direction, mentored engineers, made hiring decisions, and influenced product roadmaps closes most of the gap that a title alone would otherwise signal to hiring managers.
What does the director of machine learning interview process look like?
The process typically runs four to six rounds and includes a recruiter screen, a hiring manager conversation focused on leadership philosophy and team structure, a technical system design session covering end-to-end ML architecture, and a cross-functional panel with product and engineering partners. Many companies also include a presentation round where you walk through a past project, its tradeoffs, and the business results it produced.
Where can I find and apply to director of machine learning jobs?
You can find and apply to director of machine learning jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, industry focus, and seniority level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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