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Data Annotation Engineer Jobs in Memphis, TN (NOW HIRING)

Data Annotation Engineer information

See Memphis, TN salary details

$46K

$131.6K

$175.8K

How much do data annotation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for data annotation engineer in Memphis, TN is $131,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $174,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by Data Annotation Engineers in their daily work?

One of the main challenges Data Annotation Engineers face is ensuring consistent accuracy and quality in labeling large and often complex datasets. Attention to detail is critical, as even small errors can significantly affect machine learning model performance. Additionally, engineers must frequently adapt to evolving annotation guidelines and emerging data types, which requires ongoing learning and flexibility. Collaboration with data scientists and project managers is common to clarify requirements and resolve ambiguities, making strong communication skills essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Data Annotation Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Annotation Engineer, you need a strong background in data analysis, attention to detail, and familiarity with annotation processes, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with annotation tools like Labelbox, CVAT, or VIA, and understanding of data formats used in machine learning, is commonly required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills help you effectively manage projects and cooperate with cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality labeled data, which directly impacts the performance of AI and machine learning models.

Does data annotation really pay?

Data annotation engineers can earn competitive wages, often paid hourly or per task, with pay rates varying based on experience, complexity of annotations, and the platform or employer. Entry-level roles may start at minimum wage, while experienced annotators or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries or freelance rates. Overall, data annotation can provide a reliable income, especially for remote or flexible work arrangements.

What is the highest salary for data annotator?

The highest salary for a data annotation engineer can reach up to $80,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of annotation tasks. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in tools like Labelbox or CVAT may earn higher compensation. Salaries vary widely across companies and regions but generally reflect the technical skills required for high-quality data labeling.

What is a data annotation engineer?

A data annotation engineer is a professional responsible for labeling and annotating data, such as images, text, or videos, to prepare it for machine learning models. They often use specialized tools and follow guidelines to ensure data quality, supporting the development of AI systems.

How hard is it to get hired by data annotation?

Getting hired as a data annotation engineer typically requires basic computer skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with annotation tools. Many positions are entry-level and may not require advanced degrees, but strong accuracy and consistency are important for success in the role.

What is a Data Annotation Engineer job?

A Data Annotation Engineer is responsible for labeling and annotating data—such as text, images, audio, or video—to train machine learning models. They ensure that data is accurately categorized and structured to improve model performance. This role often involves using specialized annotation tools, following detailed guidelines, and working closely with data scientists and AI teams. Data Annotation Engineers play a crucial role in the development of AI applications by providing high-quality labeled datasets for supervised learning.

What are popular job titles related to Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN? For Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Data Annotation Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN are:
What cities near Memphis, TN are hiring for Data Annotation Engineer jobs? Cities near Memphis, TN with the most Data Annotation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Annotation Engineer job openings in Memphis, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,617 per year, or $63.3 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer - Radiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Machine Learning Engineer to develop advanced machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and foundational AI models for medical imaging. This role focuses on building robust algorithms for segmentation, quantification, and detection across CT, MRI, and X-ray.
This position sits at the center of a well-resourced, data-rich research environment with established infrastructure for multi-institutional data aggregation, curation, and large-scale annotation. St. Jude Children's Hospital has incredible high-performance computing resources. The lab leverages curated datasets from diverse sources, dedicated annotation teams, and external engineering support, enabling this role to focus on high-impact model development, validation, and clinical translation.
Many projects are designed with a path toward regulatory clearance via FDA's 510(k) or De Novo pathways, and the successful candidate will work closely with regulatory and quality experts to support reproducible, well-documented, and clinically deployable AI solutions. This role offers a unique combination of academic productivity (authorship opportunities) and real-world impact through translation into clinical practice.
Machine Learning Engineer
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, train, and validate state-of-the-art ML/DL models for segmentation, quantification, and detection across CT, MRI, and X-ray

  • Design and implement 2D and 3D model architectures (CNNs, transformer-based, and foundational models)

  • Build scalable pipelines for data preprocessing, model training, evaluation, and deployment

  • Develop quantitative imaging methods (e.g., volumetrics, density measurements, biomarker extraction)

  • Leverage curated, multi-institutional datasets to ensure model generalizability and robustness

  • Collaborate with radiologists and engineering teams to define clinically meaningful outputs

  • Produce regulatory-grade documentation for datasets, model development, validation, and performance

  • Ensure reproducibility and traceability of experiments (data, model, and code versioning)

  • Work collaboratively with regulatory and quality experts to support FDA 510(k) and De Novo submissions, including providing technical documentation and validation evidence

  • Contribute to software quality and security practices, including supporting activities such as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing in collaboration with cybersecurity and regulatory teams

  • Utilize modern AI-assisted development tools (e.g., LLM-based coding agents) to accelerate development and improve code quality

  • Participate in team-based development practices (code reviews, Git, testing frameworks)

  • Support manuscripts, grants, and technical reporting

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, information science, business, or related field.
  • Master's degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:
  • Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience required.
  • Experience Exception: Master's degree with 3+ years of experience.
  • Experience with programming languages, databases, and software development lifecycle
  • Experience with the position-specific technical stack preferred
  • Experience with the position-specific scientific domain preferred
  • Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience developing ML/DL models for image analysis

  • Demonstrated experience with segmentation, detection, and/or quantitative imaging algorithms (2D and/or 3D)

  • Strong proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)

  • Experience with modern architectures (U-Net variants, detection frameworks, transformers, or foundational models)

  • Familiarity with DICOM and medical imaging workflows

  • Strong understanding of evaluation metrics (Dice, IoU, ROC/AUC, sensitivity/specificity)

  • Experience with version control and collaborative development (e.g., Git)

  • Demonstrated ability to produce clear, structured technical documentation

  • Experience using modern LLM-based coding assistants (e.g., Claude, Codex, or similar) to enhance development workflows

  • (Strongly preferred) Experience developing and documenting AI solutions for clinical translation or regulatory submission (e.g., FDA 510(k))

  • Familiarity with Good Machine Learning Practice (GMLP)

  • Experience collaborating with regulatory, quality, or cybersecurity teams

  • Exposure to software security principles (e.g., secure coding, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing concepts)

  • Experience with large, multi-institutional datasets

  • Familiarity with radiology workflows and quantitative imaging biomarkers

  • Experience with cloud or high-performance computing environments

  • Experience deploying models into research or clinical environments

Academic and Career Development Opportunities
  • Significant opportunities for authorship on high-impact manuscripts

  • Active participation in multi-institutional research collaborations

  • Opportunities to contribute to grant proposals and funded research initiatives

  • Exposure to translational AI development, including projects targeting FDA 510(k) clearance

  • Ability to build a strong academic portfolio in parallel with real-world clinical impact

Key Attributes
  • Highly collaborative and team-oriented

  • Detail-oriented with strong commitment to documentation, reproducibility, and auditability

  • Able to operate effectively in a translational, regulatory-aware environment

  • Strong interest in delivering clinically impactful AI solutions

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Staff Software Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer - Radiology.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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