Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Job Description

About Us: Cognex is a global leader in the exciting and growing field of machine vision. Our employees, proudly called "Cognoids," are passionate about solving the most difficult vision problems with our embedded cameras and software products featuring state-of-the-art ID, 2D and 3D vision technology. Our Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast culture recognizes achievement and dedication with unique rewards and celebrations.

We are looking for creative, bright, motivated Cognoids who share our passion for excellence and want to make an impact at a dynamic, global company. We celebrate our employees for their innovation, perseverance, and hard work in a fun, rewarding, and quirky environment. If you enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from working together to create products that solve tough problems for organizations around the world, contact us to see how you can become part of our team!

This is a hybrid role based in our Natick, MA headquarters.

The Team You will join the Core Vision Tools team that is responsible for building state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms and deep learning models used in all Cognexs products. The team works across custom hardware, optimized embedded systems, and next-generation algorithm design to deliver high-performance solutions that run at extreme speeds and scale globally across product lines.

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced AI/ML engineer with strong research and development skills-someone deeply familiar with designing, training, evaluating, and deploying efficient deep learning models for computer vision. You will advance Cognexs AI capabilities by developing novel architectures, optimizing models for embedded platforms, and collaborating with R&D and product teams to bring research prototypes into production.

Essential Functions

• Research, design, and implement efficient deep learning models for industrial machine vision tasks, with a focus on algorithms with low power, low latency and data efficiency requirements.
• Collaborate with cross functional engineers to transition experimental AI models into production-ready components for embedded systems.
• Develop high-performance Python and C/C++ code for training, optimization, benchmarking, and deployment.
• Lead model-architecture discussions and make long-term technical decisions across platforms.
• Optimize neural networks for resource-constrained environments (quantization, pruning, distillation, hardware-aware design).
• Build evaluation pipelines, datasets, and tools to assess model accuracy, robustness, runtime performance, and reliability.
• Diagnose and resolve complex issues across hardware, software, and ML components.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers developing UIs, test frameworks, and runtime components.
• Mentor junior engineers and champion engineering excellence in ML research and development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Essential

• Industry or academic experience developing and optimizing deep learning algorithms in one or more relevant technical areas - computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition.
• Deep understanding of AI concepts including training strategies, loss functions, evaluation metrics, and ML operations.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Proficient C/C++ experience for performance-critical systems.
• Proficiency with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow), model optimization, and ML development lifecycles.
• Strong debugging and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Experience with software development practices including version control, CI/CD, and issue tracking.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Desired

• Background in computer vision, signal processing, or related fields.
• Experience with embedded ML, quantization, or hardware-aware optimization.
• Hands-on experience building and deploying efficient deep learning models for real-world computer vision applications.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related field, and 5+ years of relevant experience in AI/ML, software engineering, or applied research roles.

Cognex believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $115,000 USD - $225,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, or a sales incentive plan.

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching; employer-paid disability, family leave, and life insurance; paid time off (including holidays); optional voluntary benefits; as well as recognition and wellness programs.

Additional Job Description Equal Employment Opportunity Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.