Senior MLOps / DataOps Engineer

Vaco
$140,000.00 - $180,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Apr 16, 2025
Vaco is searching for a seasoned Senior MLOps Engineer to help bridge the gap between model development and real-world impact. In this role, you'll be the driving force behind the infrastructure, tools, and systems that turn machine learning concepts into reliable, real-time predictions in production. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams-Data Science, Product Engineering, Data Product Management, and Data Platform-to streamline and automate how models are deployed and maintained. What You'll Do Build and maintain scalable, production-grade ML infrastructure that supports everything from training to deployment and monitoring. Enhance orchestration processes to enable seamless model deployment and lifecycle management. Continuously optimize system performance to deliver high-speed, cost-efficient solutions. Ensure the ML environment is secure, scalable, and always running at peak performance. Collaborate with data scientists and software engineers to build robust pipelines and infrastructure for end-to-end ML workflows. Create tools for data analysis, experiment tracking, model versioning, and artifact management-while also supporting compliance and governance needs. Develop monitoring systems that can detect drift, track model health, and ensure long-term stability in production. Automate repetitive processes using custom tools and scripts to improve MLOps speed and reliability. Guide and mentor team members, sharing technical insights and helping resolve complex issues. Act as a champion for data integrity, security, and risk management throughout the ML lifecycle. Adapt to evolving priorities and pitch in on other tasks as needed by your team or leadership. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. At least 5 years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning Engineering, or MLOps. Advanced Python skills and familiarity with ML libraries and frameworks. Hands-on experience with AWS and cloud-based architecture. Solid knowledge of container tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and CI/CD best practices. Experience deploying ML models using tools such as MLflow, Kubeflow, or similar platforms. Strong foundation in data infrastructure, distributed systems, and scalable software architecture. Demonstrated ability to deliver models that perform reliably in real-time production systems. Ability to pass background and drug screenings. Preferred Experience Experience working in hybrid environments (cloud/on-premise). Familiarity with big data ecosystems like Hadoop, Hive, or Cloudera. Skills in distributed computing using Spark or similar frameworks. Proficiency with Java or Scala in data engineering or ML contexts. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.