Research Principal Engineer, Machine Learning

Research Principal Engineer, Machine Learning Overview

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 hands‑on leadership for high‑impact, AI‑enabled 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.

• 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 engineer 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

• 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

• 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

• Expertise in machine learning and applied data science
• Strong proficiency in Python and common ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensor Flow, scikitlearn)
• Experience building end‑to‑end ML pipelines, including data preparation, modeling, validation, and deployment

• 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

• 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

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 will 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.