Principal R&D Engineer - Data Science (Pittsburgh, PA)

Principal R&D Engineer - Data Science

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living! 

We’re seeking a Principal R&D Engineer – Data Science who will serve as a leader in artificial intelligence—someone who not only understands where the field is today, but where it’s going next. In this strategic role, you will help drive S+N’s AI vision, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve by exploring, evaluating, and applying the most advanced technologies available.  You will lead transformative AI initiatives that will shape the future of Smith + Nephew’s orthopedic, wound care, and sports medicine products.  You will lead efforts to ensure S+N remains on the cutting edge – scouting emerging AI trends, evaluating breakthrough technologies, and turning them into real-world solutions that improve patient outcomes.

You will explore the frontier of AI—generative models, LLMs, deep learning, multimodal systems, and more — and apply these advancements to real-world healthcare challenges. You’ll work across R&D, engineering, and product teams to research, prototype, and scale next-generation AI-powered applications. Use your deep expertise to influence strategy, mentor others, and accelerate our mission to help patients live a Life Unlimited.

What will you be doing?

• Researching and evaluating pioneering AI technologies—including generative AI, LLMs, and deep learning—and identifying strategic applications in our product portfolio.
• Lead technology scouting initiatives and cultivate strategic collaborations with leading academic institutions, startups, and industry partners.
• Act as an inspiring leader in AI, driving S+N’s innovation strategy by scouting emerging technologies and translating them into impactful solutions across orthopedics, wound care, and sports medicine.
• Developing proof-of-concept models and scalable AI solutions to enhance decision support, personalization, and product performance.
• Designing and building advanced data pipelines, feature engineering workflows, and training datasets for sophisticated AI models.
• Leading development and validation of machine learning models using modern toolkits (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and statistical techniques.
• Creating intuitive tools and interfaces that allow partners to interact with, test, and deploy AI-driven applications.
• Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to align AI strategy with business goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Mentoring junior team members and fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning.
• Communicating complex AI concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.

What will you need to be successful?

• Education: Minimum PhD in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or a related field; OR Master’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience applying AI/ML in R&D or product innovation.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience leading AI initiatives in a research or commercial environment.
• Expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and familiarity with frameworks such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, NumPy, Pandas, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Strong understanding of data architecture, preprocessing, and feature extraction techniques.
• Proven ability to translate AI capabilities into real-world solutions with measurable business impact.
• Experience working with healthcare or regulated products is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional partners and decision-makers.

Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/ ).
• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

Smith+Nephew is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Smith+Nephew will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please alert the recruiter if you are selected to move forward. 

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $158,000-198,000 USD annually and the compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications. You may also be entitled to receive bonus and benefits, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings.

Smith & Nephew follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described by local and state policies.

#LI-LS1

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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