Machine Learning Software Engineer / Senior Machine Learning Software Engineer

Accelerate Scientific Discovery with Oxford Instruments Andor; Imaris

At Oxford Instruments Andor, we are dedicated to enabling the world's greatest scientific breakthroughs. Our cutting-edge imaging, spectroscopy and microscopy technologies are helping researchers develop life-saving treatments, explore deeper into space and advance sustainable energy solutions.

As a global leader in high-performance light measurement technology, we combine expertise in sensors, electronics, optics and software to deliver industry-leading solutions to customers in over 55 countries worldwide.

Guided by our core values of Inclusive, Innovative, Trusted and Purposeful, we strive to create technologies that make a meaningful difference to science and society.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Machine Learning Software Engineer to join our Imaris software development team and help shape the future of intelligent image analysis within our world-class scientific products.

This is a senior individual contributor role for an experienced engineer who is passionate about applying machine learning and computer vision techniques to solve complex real-world problems. You will act as the technical expert for machine learning within the Imaris team, researching, developing and deploying advanced ML solutions that directly enhance our image analysis, image processing, object detection and segmentation capabilities.

Working at the intersection of software engineering, machine learning and scientific imaging, you'll have the opportunity to tackle highly challenging problems involving large multidimensional datasets, cutting-edge algorithms and high-performance computing environments.

What You Will Be Doing

Machine Learning Innovation

• Research, develop and deploy advanced machine learning solutions for image analysis, image processing, object detection and segmentation.
• Evaluate technical challenges and determine the most effective ML approach, whether developing custom models or adapting state-of-the-art solutions.
• Explore emerging technologies and techniques to continuously improve product capabilities.

Software Development

• Design, develop and maintain robust software solutions using modern software engineering practices.
• Integrate machine learning algorithms into high-performance desktop applications.
• Contribute to the wider C++ application architecture and codebase.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to development best practices.

Performance & Optimisation

• Profile and optimise model execution for CPU and GPU acceleration.
• Ensure efficient processing of large-scale 3D and 4D imaging datasets.
• Develop scalable and maintainable solutions suitable for production environments.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring and support to other software engineers and test team members.
• Contribute to technical investigations and architectural decisions.
• Share knowledge and promote engineering excellence across the team.

Collaboration

• Work closely with software engineers, scientists, product managers and domain experts.
• Support product development from concept through to deployment.
• Occasionally travel to other Oxford Instruments sites and customer locations when required.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• BSc / MSc in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or a related quantitative discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

Experience

• Experience in software engineering, machine learning development or advanced applied research.
• Proven experience delivering machine learning projects from concept through to production deployment.
• Strong software development background with object-oriented design principles.
• Experience researching, evaluating and implementing ML solutions for real-world business or scientific applications.
• Strong hands-on programming experience.

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of machine learning theory, mathematics and image processing principles.
• Strong knowledge of modern deep learning architectures including CNNs, U-Net and related computer vision frameworks.
• Production-level experience with PyTorch and/or TensorFlow.
• Experience building, training, evaluating and deploying machine learning models.
• Strong understanding of Python scientific and machine learning ecosystems.
• Expertise in object-oriented software design and development.
• Ability to independently research and implement innovative solutions to complex technical challenges.

Desirable

• Research experience or publications in Computer Vision, Biomedical Image Analysis or Deep Learning.
• Experience working with multidimensional image data, volumetric datasets or large-scale imaging systems.
• Experience deploying ML models into production environments.
• Knowledge of C++ software development.
• Familiarity with Git and Azure DevOps.
• Experience with cross-platform development (Windows and Mac).
• Exposure to cloud-based training workflows.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles.

About You

You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy solving complex technical challenges.
• Are naturally curious and passionate about innovation.
• Take ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality solutions.
• Enjoy collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Can translate research concepts into robust, production-ready software.
• Continuously seek opportunities to learn and improve.
• Are motivated by seeing your work contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.

Location & Eligibility

This permanent position is based at our headquarters in Belfast or remotely within the UK.  

Please note that Oxford Instruments Andor is unable to provide visa sponsorship for these roles. Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK at the time of application.

Recruitment Process

• Application submission
• Shortlisting by our technical team
• Introductory call
• Online technical assessment which is completed at a time that suits you from home
• Technical interview

Our Benefits

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance (BUPA) for you and your dependants
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Income Protection
• Life Assurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Occupational Health Service
• Company sick pay
• Two paid volunteering days per year

Money & Lifestyle

• Competitive salary
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Share Incentive Plan
• Leave Purchase Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car Salary Exchange Scheme
• Technology Purchase Scheme
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Free On-site Parking

Career Development

• Professional qualification support
• Accredited learning and development programmes
• Career progression opportunities across the Oxford Instruments Group
• Long Service Awards

Work-Life Balance

• 187.5 hours annual leave plus 9 customary holidays
• Early finish every Friday
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Bereavement leave

We Value Potential

We know that no candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you're excited by the opportunity and believe your skills, experience and passion could make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome applications from individuals whose experience may not align perfectly with every criterion.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Oxford Instruments Andor is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups who are currently underrepresented within our workforce.

Together, we're enabling the scientific discoveries that shape tomorrow.

Know someone at Oxford Instruments Andor?

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Note to recruitment agencies:

Oxford Instruments Andor operates a Preferred Supplier List and does not accept unsolicited agency CVs. We are not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited submissions.