Research Principal Engineer, Machine Learning

g technical direction, mentoring, and hands‑on leadership for high‑impact, AI‑enabled research initiatives. The role requires close collaboration with scientists and engineers globally and a strong on‑site presence in Milford, MA to enable effective change management and sustained adoption.

Responsibilities

AI/ML Transformation Leadership

• Identify high‑value opportunities where AI/ML can accelerate research, reduce cost, expand design space, or improve decision‑making 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 long‑term capability growth

AI/ML Research Leadership

• Apply advanced techniques such as Bayesian optimization, surrogate modeling, generative modeling, and data‑driven 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

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 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, scikit‑learn)

• Experience building end‑to‑end 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 non‑ML audiences

• Experience mentoring and guiding cross‑functional 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

Why Join Waters

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of research at Waters by enabling AI‑driven discovery and innovation across the Global Research organization. You'll have a direct impact on time‑to‑market, research productivity, and long‑term technology leadership.

We know that sometimes the perfect candidate does not exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they do not fit all the requirements. If you are excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Waters is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Company Description

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Key Words

Machine Learning, Innovation, AI, ML, Research, Engineering