Research Principal Engineer, Machine Learning
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Waters Corporation is seeking a Principal AI Solutions Engineer to drive the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning across the Global Research organization. This role will be central to transforming how research is conducted by embedding AI/ML directly into diverse scientific and engineering workflows, such as software and algorithm development, CAD engineering design, and the formulation of chemistry experiments. The successful candidate will be able to source and configure AI solutions and initiate new ways of working in order to accelerate discovery, improve productivity, and increase innovation yield across all Waters technologies.
In addition to serving as the senior AI/ML technical authority within Global Research, this individual will act as a Team Lead for key research programs within the Global Research portfolio, providing technical direction, mentoring, and handson leadership for highimpact, AIenabled research initiatives. The role requires close collaboration with scientists and engineers globally and a strong onsite presence in Milford, MA to enable effective change management and sustained adoption. Responsibilities
AI/ML Transformation Leadership Identify highvalue opportunities where AI/ML can accelerate research, reduce cost, expand design space, or improve decisionmaking in Global Research processes
- Source and configure AI/ML capabilities into existing research and engineering workflows, including mechanical and electrical engineering design, chemistry and other scientific research and software and algorithm development
- Support the use of AI/ML to unlock institutional knowledge from internal data and documentation
- Establish best practices, standards, and metrics to ensure successful and measurable AI/ML adoption
- Help establish training materials, documentation, and ongoing learning programs to sustain longterm capability growth
AI/ML Research Leadership
- Apply advanced techniques such as Bayesian optimization, surrogate modeling, generative modeling, and datadriven experimental design
- Serve as technical lead or team lead for key AI/ML applied research projects spanning multiple Waters technology platforms
- Mentor scientists, engineers, interns, and members of the AI/ML champion network, spanning Global Research sites in Milford, MA, Wilmslow, UK, and Bangalore, India
Requirements
- PhD or MS in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related quantitative discipline, or equivalent industry experience
- 8+ years of experience applying machine learning in research, engineering, or advanced technology development environments
- 1+ years of experience learning cutting edge AI technologies and optimizing software development, engineering design or other discipline with on market and/or custom AI capabilities
Technical Skills
- Expertise in machine learning and applied data science
- Strong proficiency in Python and common ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikitlearn)
- Experience building endtoend ML pipelines, including data preparation, modeling, validation, and deployment
Leadership & Collaboration
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence senior scientists and engineers
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain AI and ML concepts to nonML audiences
- Experience mentoring and guiding crossfunctional teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with scientific instrumentation, chemistry, or life sciences
- Prior experience leveraging AI/ML within R&D organization processes
- Familiarity with change management in technical or research settings