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Principal Imaging Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jj

Principal Scientist, Imaging Analytics

Raritan, NJ · On-site

Learn more at We are seeking a Principal Scientist, Imaging Analytics to join Interventional Oncology (INTO) and lead the scientific application of medical imaging Artificial Intelligence across our ...

Jj

Principal Scientist, Imaging Analytics

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Learn more at We are seeking a Principal Scientist, Imaging Analytics to join Interventional Oncology (INTO) and lead the scientific application of medical imaging Artificial Intelligence across our ...

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Principal Imaging Scientist information

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$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

How much do principal imaging scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal imaging scientist in the United States is $144,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal imaging scientist?

A Principal Imaging Scientist is a senior-level expert who leads research and development in the field of imaging science, which includes designing, analyzing, and improving imaging systems and technologies. They often oversee projects related to medical imaging, satellite imagery, computer vision, or other areas where advanced imaging techniques are critical. In addition to technical expertise, they may manage teams, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to strategic decisions regarding new imaging products or research directions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal imaging scientist?

To thrive as a Principal Imaging Scientist, you need deep expertise in imaging modalities (such as MRI, CT, or PET), quantitative analysis, and a strong background in physics, engineering, or biomedical sciences, typically supported by a PhD or equivalent experience. Proficiency with advanced imaging software, data processing tools (like MATLAB or Python), and familiarity with regulatory standards or imaging protocols is essential. Exceptional problem-solving, project leadership, and communication skills help you drive innovation and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for advancing imaging research, ensuring high-quality data interpretation, and leading critical projects in clinical or industrial settings.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a principal imaging scientist within multidisciplinary teams?

As a Principal Imaging Scientist, you will frequently collaborate with professionals across fields such as engineering, clinical research, data science, and product management. Your role often involves leading technical discussions, providing imaging expertise, and integrating feedback from various stakeholders to guide project direction. Effective communication and the ability to bridge technical and non-technical perspectives are crucial, as you may mentor junior scientists while also aligning imaging strategies with broader organizational goals. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and ensures imaging solutions meet both scientific and business objectives.

What is the difference between Principal Imaging Scientist vs Imaging Scientist?

AspectPrincipal Imaging ScientistImaging Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MS), specialized imaging certificationsTypically a master's or PhD, with relevant imaging experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, industry innovation teamsResearch institutions, healthcare, or industry labs
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, and imaging technology companiesAcademic, healthcare, or industry research settings

The main difference is that a Principal Imaging Scientist often holds a senior, leadership-oriented role with strategic responsibilities, while an Imaging Scientist typically focuses on technical research and development. Both roles require strong imaging expertise, but the Principal Imaging Scientist usually oversees projects and guides teams, whereas the Imaging Scientist conducts hands-on research.

What cities are hiring for Principal Imaging Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Imaging Scientist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Imaging Scientist jobs?

For Principal Imaging Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Imaging Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Senior/Staff/Principal Imaging System Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Horizon Surgical Systems, Inc.
See more jobs at Horizon Surgical Systems, Inc.external

$135K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Open Position - Senior/Staff/Principal Imaging System Software Engineer
Horizon Surgical Systems Inc.
Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. is revolutionizing the world of surgical ophthalmology by developing a novel, AI driven, and imaging-guided surgical robotic system. Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. aims to expand access to care, provide superior capabilities to the human surgeon, and enhance patient outcomes. Microsurgery in general and Ophthalmology are subfields of surgery for which the surgical outcomes can be significantly improved by robotic systems to allow superior dexterity, precision, accuracy, and visualization beyond the human surgeon's own capabilities.
We are seeking highly motivated, and intellectually inquisitive individuals looking to make a positive impact on healthcare via the development of robotic technology. The core values of Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. are:
  • Commitment to Excellence: We aim to deliver superior patient outcomes and surgeon experiences
  • Passion for Creativity and Innovation: We are driven by new ideas and aim to push the boundaries of what's possible
  • Teamwork and Camaraderie: We achieve our best when we collaborate and work together
  • Welcoming of Critical Opinion: We are enriched by constructive criticism and support the best ideas
  • Personal Accountability: We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions

Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. offers:
  • An opportunity to build autonomous surgical robotic systems driven by image guidance and AI technology for the future of affordable, high-quality healthcare.
  • The opportunity to work alongside clinicians, engineers, and global leaders in cutting-edge AI, imaging, and robotics technology.
  • Competitive compensation and an excellent company-paid benefits package.

In your role as an engineer at Horizon Surgical Systems, you will design components and systems (hardware and software) as part of a complete product subjected to FDA regulations. Your design will be subject to safety and efficacy requirements
The level of title will be determined case by case, based on the candidate's qualifications and years of experience: senior engineer, staff engineer, principal engineer or higher.
Required Qualifications and Abilities:
  • Educational Background:
    • Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Programming Languages: Strong proficiency in C++ and Python is essential.
    • Image Processing: Solid experience with image processing libraries such as OpenCV, VTK, ITK, or similar.
    • Imaging Devices: Experience working with industrial cameras, high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT), and stereo vision systems.
    • Operating Systems: Proficiency in working with Linux is required, including system-level programming and real-time performance optimization.
    • Graphics Processing: Experience with GPU programming (CUDA, OpenCL) for accelerating image processing tasks.
  • Experience:
    • 5+ years of hands-on experience in C++ software development with a focus on imaging systems or related fields.
    • Hands-on experience with imaging hardware (cameras, OCTs, etc.) and handling high-bandwidth image streams.
    • Proven ability to optimize software performance for image acquisition, processing, and rendering in real-time applications.
    • Experience with multithreading, multiprocessing, and low-latency communication between software components and hardware devices.
  • Knowledge:
    • Deep understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles and design patterns.
    • Strong grasp of algorithms for image processing, including feature extraction, filtering, segmentation, and real-time analysis. Familiarity with debayering, distortion correction, contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), etc.
    • Familiarity with image compression, optimization techniques, and large-scale image data management.
    • Experience with embedded systems and hardware/software integration for imaging devices.
    • Familiarity with software and system architecture formality like UML or SysML.
    • Proficiency with tools like Git/JIRA/Confluence and platforms like GitHub.
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in optimizing system performance.
    • Good communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including software engineers, electrical/mechanical engineers, and product managers.
    • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Comfortable working hands-on with imaging hardware in a lab or clinical environment.
    • Ability to work on-site for hands-on software-hardware integration.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Software Architecture, Design and Implementation:
      • Design, develop, and maintain C++ code for imaging systems including cameras, OCTs, and other medical imaging devices on Linux platforms.
      • Implement efficient, scalable algorithms for image processing and data analysis.
      • Develop and optimize software to ensure the real-time acquisition, processing, and visualization of image data.
    • System Integration:
      • Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate software with imaging devices, ensuring seamless performance in capturing and processing high-quality images.
      • Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between hardware and software components in the imaging pipeline.
    • Performance Optimization:
      • Profile, benchmark, and optimize image processing pipelines to maximize performance, ensuring low-latency, high-throughput processing on both CPU and GPU.
      • Develop strategies for efficiently handling large image datasets, balancing performance with memory and storage constraints.
    • Testing & Reliability:
      • Design and implement automated tests to ensure the stability and reliability of image processing software.
      • Debug complex issues related to hardware-software interfaces, and provide innovative solutions to technical challenges.
      • Ensure reliability and robustness of software through automated testing and performance monitoring.
    • Research & Development:
      • Stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in imaging technologies and software optimization.
      • Prototype and evaluate new algorithms and technologies to improve the performance and accuracy of our imaging systems.

Base Salary Ranges(not including stock options + end of year bonus)
  • Senior: $120k-140k
  • Staff: $145k-165k
  • Principal: $170k-195k

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life insurance, and long-term disability.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-tech startup that is poised to revolutionize surgical robotics in ophthalmology.

Apply