Machine Learning Engineer Save

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Machine Learning Engineer (Part-Time, Contracted)

Brocade Studio is a growing consultancy that supports purpose-driven organizations in achieving their goals through the application of advanced analytical methods.

We are seeking 1–2 part-time Machine Learning Engineers to join us in working with non-profit, government agency, and startup leaders to help them better understand and serve their constituents and customers through large-scale inference and applied ML.

We are looking for candidates with depth in machine learning engineering, data science infrastructure, and (more broadly) econometrics and statistical modeling. Strong candidates for the role will demonstrate clear, organized thinking around complicated analytical questions, have a bias toward simplicity over complexity, and possess a sound grasp of the ML and statistical fundamentals that underpin real-world applications.

Additionally, they will be comfortable interacting with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, using active listening to work backwards from client needs to guide priorities and delivery, and helping to drive analysis that improves outcomes for people.

About Brocade

Our recent work includes:

• creation of a predictive model focused on improving outcomes for individuals seeking behavioral health services
• business operations optimization research for an organization that supports a majority of the state and provincial park agencies in North America
• delivery of a bespoke data mart for a product analytics team at an international payment remittance company
  
  

Members of our team are based in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Toronto, and work from home or coworking offices. Our three principal consultants are joined by a constellation of subcontracted collaborators.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who:

• Has professional experience building and deploying machine learning models in production environments, ideally in roles with cross-functional or client-facing responsibilities.
• Demonstrates strong proficiency in Python, particularly for ML and statistical modeling (e.g. PyTorch, scikit-learn or similar).
• Understands and applies core principles of model development including versioning, validation, performance monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Is experienced with SQL and working with modern data platforms (e.g., dbt, Snowflake, BigQuery, or similar).
• Has experience designing and delivering data pipelines that support machine learning use cases (including feature stores, batch/stream pipelines, or MLOps tools).
• Applies statistical thinking and domain knowledge to ensure models are interpretable, stable, and useful—not just performant.
• Balances speed of iteration with model reliability and codebase maintainability.
• Listens deeply and actively to understand client needs and translate them into scalable, deployable solutions.
• Can create simple, elegant outputs—dashboards, reports, or APIs—that influence decisions and communicate impact to non-technical stakeholders.

Hours

While we anticipate a commitment of approximately 35 hours per week, we are open to a variety of arrangements based on your preferred hours per week and schedule. That said, the ideal candidate has a degree of flexibility in their schedule, or has flexibility outside of a set of predictable hours given to a second commitment.

Other Things to Note

You can work from anywhere with a strong, reliable internet connection. Our meetings occur within the EST workday, though all other work can be done at your preferred time of day.

You don’t have to be interested in growing into a full-time role here, though there is a possibility of that if you are interested.

In our work, we craft strategy and advance projects (alongside our clients) to change systems and increase justice. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Details

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 27, 2025. We’ll keep any applications we receive after June 27 on file.
• Selected candidates will be invited to interview in June.
• Estimated start date: mid-to-late June.
• 35 hrs/week anticipated, though we’re open to a variety of arrangements.
• $1,800–$2,200/week
• This is an independent contractor position.
  
  

To apply, please send a resume/CV and cover letter with the subject line “ML Engineer Application” to [email protected]. While we cautiously embrace the AI-powered future, note that an actual human will read both documents.