Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Workiva • Ames, IA

91d • $204,000 - $326,000

About The Position

The Principal Machine Learning Engineer at Workiva spearheads the strategic vision for advancing Machine Learning (ML) solutions, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering innovation. This role champions AI/MLOps excellence, crafting cloud infrastructure solutions to expedite AI/ML development cycles. As a technical leader, the Principal ML Engineer guides a team in creating Workiva’s Generative AI platform, empowering product teams to pioneer transformative solutions. They offer expertise and mentorship within the Machine Learning domain, driving progress through collaboration and technical acumen.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 8 years of ML engineering experience

Nice To Haves

• Provides technical leadership for ML initiatives, shaping strategy and guiding teams across the full ML lifecycle and toolsets
• Designs and oversees scalable, highly available ML/MLOps solutions, ensuring production readiness and long-term sustainability
• Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies such as Generative AI and agentic frameworks into enterprise solutions
• Applies deep knowledge of computer science, distributed cloud systems, and databases to influence architectural decisions and performance improvements
• Demonstrates proficiency in Python, Go, Java (or similar), Git, Docker/Kubernetes, and cloud platforms (AWS preferred)
• Champions Agile/Scrum practices, driving alignment across multiple projects, priorities, and teams
• Builds strong cross-functional partnerships, effectively communicating complex technical concepts to stakeholders at all levels
• Anticipates and resolves system-level challenges, setting standards for debugging, troubleshooting, and ensuring scalable, reliable deployments

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic ML roadmap, exploring new technologies and guiding leadership on ML strategies
• Architect scalable systems with strong observability and maintain ML infrastructure
• Lead adoption of new ML methodologies, mentoring engineers and establishing team standards
• Collaborate with product, data, and architecture teams to integrate ML solutions via APIs and design end-to-end products
• Manage backlog, forecast timelines, and resolve interdependencies to ensure timely delivery
• Host and monitor ML models, develop automated tests, and support production troubleshooting (including on-call)
• Conduct code reviews, ensure solution quality, and communicate technical issues to diverse stakeholders

Benefits

• Salary range in the US: $204,000.00 - $326,000.00
• A discretionary bonus typically paid annually
• Restricted Stock Units granted at time of hire
• 401(k) match and comprehensive employee benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees