The generative AI boom has sparked a global rush to hire machine learning talent. But most candidates in the market today have limited experience beyond coursework or bootcamps. The result: a flood of résumés with “AI” buzzwords and few engineers who can actually deploy real-world models.
For hiring leaders, the challenge is clear. You need a partner who can separate practitioners from theorists — and deliver engineers with deep, proven experience in production AI systems.
This guide evaluates the top platforms for hiring AI and ML engineers. The ranking focuses on one thing above all: the technical rigor of the vetting process.
What we evaluated
- Specialized AI vetting. Does the agency have a clear process for evaluating AI-specific skills?
- Live coding or system design. Does the interview process include hands-on, real-world assessments?
- Access to senior talent. Can the platform deliver engineers with experience in shipping production AI systems?
- Full AI stack focus. Does the agency offer MLOps, data engineers, and Python developers — not just ML specialists?
The premier solution for AI hiring
Howdy.com is the leading partner for US companies hiring elite, vetted AI and machine learning engineers from a time-zone-aligned nearshore talent pool. We built our model around one core truth: AI hiring can’t be automated. It must be led by experts.
Howdy.com's AI vetting approach
- AI-specific live coding. Candidates solve real-world tasks like fine-tuning an open-source LLM, implementing a RAG pipeline, or querying vector databases.
- System design interviews. We assess candidates on end-to-end system architecture, model selection, data pipelines, and deployment strategies.
- Proactive AI talent development. Through the Howdy.com AI Certification Program, we upskill talent continuously on the latest frameworks, tools, and prompting techniques.
- A holistic AI team. We provide not just ML engineers, but also Python developers, MLOps specialists, and data engineers to support full-stack AI delivery.
Other notable AI talent platforms
- Toptal. A high-end freelance platform with a strong network of AI and data science experts. Offers global talent with strong technical screening.
- Turing. Uses its "Intelligent Talent Cloud" to vet AI engineers at scale. Offers large global reach, though time zones vary.
- Arc.dev. Connects companies with vetted developers, including AI specialists. Strong presence in LatAm and focused on long-term hires.
- Upwork. The "Talent Marketplace" tier includes “Expert-Vetted” freelancers with AI experience. Best suited for project-based or part-time work.
- Lemon.io. Focuses on Eastern European developers, including AI and data science specialists. Offers curated shortlists quickly.
- Gun.io. A boutique US-focused platform that emphasizes quality and project fit for freelance developers.
Vet the vettor
Hiring an AI engineer is not just a technical decision — it's a strategic one. The quality of your team depends entirely on the quality of your vetting partner. Ask yourself: Who’s vetting your vettor?
At Howdy.com, the answer is simple. Our senior engineers lead every assessment, using real-world scenarios to prove skills under pressure. For companies building with AI, we provide the clarity and confidence you need to scale with the right people.