Senior Applied AI & Machine Learning Scientist

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Applied AI & Machine Learning Scientist for our client, a world-class innovation client and AI-driven technology organization. In this fully remote role, you will work alongside leading researchers to transform emerging AI and machine learning innovations into working prototypes, experiments, and scalable solutions that shape the future of intelligent products and services. You'll apply machine learning, generative AI, rapid prototyping, software engineering, and data science expertise to evaluate cutting-edge research, build proof-of-concepts, and develop evaluation frameworks that influence future technology investments. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technically curious builder who thrives in fast-paced research environments where innovation, experimentation, and real-world impact intersect.

Top Required Skills (Must Haves):

1. Machine Learning & Applied AI Development (5-7 years) – Develop, fine-tune, validate, and optimize machine learning models, foundation models, and generative AI solutions while translating research into production-ready prototypes.
2. Data Science, Experimentation & Model Evaluation (5-7 years) – Design experiments, build evaluation frameworks, benchmark model performance, analyze datasets, and generate actionable insights that guide research and product decisions.
3. Software Engineering & Rapid Prototyping (5-7 years) – Build proof-of-concepts, AI-powered applications, experimentation platforms, and data-intensive systems using modern software engineering practices and AI-assisted development tools.
4. Programming & AI Technologies – Strong coding experience with Python and modern AI frameworks, including experience with multimodal models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic systems, and emerging machine learning technologies.

Opportunity Overview:

Join a highly collaborative Research organization where breakthrough AI research becomes practical innovation. Rather than focusing on a single product, you'll contribute across multiple cutting-edge initiatives—including language models for underrepresented languages, AI-powered weather prediction for energy applications, and next-generation memory-based and policy-driven AI architectures. Every project presents new technical challenges, offering exceptional variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to influence future Microsoft technologies.

How you will make an impact:

• 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, technology adoption, and research impact.
• Build evaluation frameworks, benchmarks, and success metrics for foundation models, generative AI systems, multimodal experiences, and agent-based workflows.
• Fine-tune, validate, benchmark, and improve machine learning models using real-world datasets and emerging research techniques.
• Develop rapid prototypes and proof-of-concepts that enable researchers and stakeholders to evaluate the practical value of new technologies.
• Gather system requirements, develop software solutions, and implement machine learning applications to meet evolving research objectives.
• Analyze enhancement requests, improve existing software, and perform debugging, testing, and post-deployment validation.
• Create software specifications, testing plans, migration packages, and quality assurance reviews to support successful implementation.
• Stay current with advances in machine learning, generative AI, agentic systems, multimodal AI, and evaluation methodologies to identify opportunities for future innovation.
• Present technical findings and experimental results that influence research priorities, product strategy, and investment decisions.

The expertise you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or another technical discipline.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in machine learning, applied AI, software engineering, or data science.
• Strong technical foundation in machine learning, software engineering, statistics, and experimental design.
• Experience building AI-powered applications, machine learning systems, experimentation platforms, or data-intensive software solutions.
• Hands-on experience evaluating, debugging, improving, and validating machine learning models and AI applications.
• Strong programming skills, including Python and modern AI development frameworks.
• Experience with foundation models, generative AI, multimodal models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic systems, or related AI technologies.
• Ability to rapidly learn new technologies and contribute effectively in highly ambiguous, research-focused environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to work remotely while collaborating effectively with distributed engineering and research teams in an EST-friendly schedule.
• Availability to commit to a minimum 12-month engagement.

What makes a candidate highly successful in this role:

Successful candidates combine deep technical expertise with exceptional adaptability and curiosity. They are comfortable moving quickly between research papers, datasets, prototypes, and production-quality systems while learning new technologies in just a few days and delivering meaningful results within a week. They bring hands-on experience using AI-assisted development tools, excel in rapidly changing research environments, communicate complex technical concepts clearly, and enjoy collaborating across engineering, product, and research disciplines to transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

Why Work with Team Red Dog?

At Team Red Dog, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to personalized service and our deep experience in matching talented professionals with meaningful roles at some of the world's most inspiring companies is what sets us apart. We take the time to understand your unique skills, strengths, and passions—because we believe your career should reflect who you are.

Whether you're looking to grow, pivot, or simply find a place where your work truly matters, we offer opportunities that empower you to make a positive impact. With excellent benefits, a supportive team, and a role where you can thrive while doing what you love, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence. Join us—and discover what it means to be genuinely valued in your career.

Generous benefits package for qualified employees includes:
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and life)
• Employer-matched 401K plan
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

Estimated Start Date: Immediately

Location: Remote (U.S.) – Eastern Time Zone Preferred

Job #: 2544

Job Type and Estimated Duration: W2 contract opportunity through 6/30/2027, with potential for extension subject to performance, budget and client discretion.

Rate:
$14,500 - $17,000 per month

Team Red Dog is committed to providing equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, reach out to hr@teamreddog.com, and we will work to ensure an accessible experience. We strictly adhere to federal, state, and local laws to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We offer competitive compensation aligned with U.S. industry standards, and our final offer will reflect the candidate’s location, job-specific skills, experience, and knowledge.

• All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.
• Team Red Dog is an E-Verify employer.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a reference and background check.
• Please no solicitations from C2C or recruiting firms.

Salary : $14,500 - $17,000