Applied AI / Machine Learning Lead (Medical Device Platform)

Overview

An innovative medical device company is developing a next-generation technology platform designed to support complex minimally invasive procedures. The team is seeking an Applied AI / Machine Learning Lead to help introduce machine learning capabilities into the product.

This is a foundational role focused on identifying opportunities to apply AI/ML, collaborating with external algorithm partners, and integrating machine learning capabilities into a larger software and system architecture. The ideal candidate is a strong software engineer with applied ML knowledge who can evaluate emerging technologies, manage external technical partners, and deliver production-ready integrations.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor developments in AI/ML and medical imaging technologies and identify opportunities to apply them within the product

• Manage relationships with third-party ML and imaging partners, including defining requirements, reviewing technical work, and ensuring deliverables meet system needs

• Integrate machine learning models and AI-enabled features into a larger software platform

• Translate clinical and engineering requirements into clear ML problem statements for external partners

• Evaluate model performance, define acceptance criteria, and support validation activities required for regulatory submissions

• Collaborate with software, systems, and product teams to ensure ML outputs integrate effectively into system workflows

• Build internal tooling and infrastructure to support model evaluation, data management, and integration testing

• Contribute to the organization’s long-term AI/ML strategy, helping determine when to build internally versus partner externally

Skills

• Strong software engineering fundamentals, including writing maintainable and production-quality code

• Proficiency in Python and experience integrating ML models into larger software systems

• Familiarity with modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow

• Understanding of computer vision and imaging-based ML concepts

• Experience working with external technical partners or vendors

• Strong communication skills and ability to translate between clinical, engineering, and ML perspectives

• Ability to read and interpret ML research literature and evaluate practical applicability

• Comfortable working in ambiguous or early-stage environments where processes and infrastructure are still evolving

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with medical imaging datasets

• Experience shipping ML-enabled products in regulated or safety-critical industries

• Familiarity with model validation and documentation requirements in regulated environments

• Exposure to robotics, real-time systems, or image-guided technologies

• Experience building data pipelines, model evaluation infrastructure, or ML tooling

• Background in applied machine learning or computer vision

Requirements

Experience & Background

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience

• Experience integrating ML or AI capabilities into production systems

• Track record of collaborating with external partners or vendors on technical deliverables

• Comfortable taking ownership of new technical initiatives with limited existing infrastructure

Work Environment

• Ability to work onsite several days per week at the company’s engineering facility in Northern California