The Role
Develop and implement 3D geometric ML and classical geometry algorithms to analyze and generate 3D intraoral scans and teeth. Build data pipelines, train/adapt 3D models, optimize test-time performance, validate robustness, and collaborate with clinicians and product teams to ship applied research into products.
Summary Generated by Built In
This position is full-time based in Zurich.
We are building the future of digital dentistry. Align Technology has transformed orthodontics and restorative dentistry through Invisalign, the iTero intraoral scanner, and exocad CAD/CAM products used by clinicians in over 100 countries, backed by data from more than 20 million patients. Our Advanced Technology Development (ATD) team in Switzerland is where breakthrough ideas become real products.
We are building the future of digital dentistry. Align Technology has transformed orthodontics and restorative dentistry through Invisalign, the iTero intraoral scanner, and exocad CAD/CAM products used by clinicians in over 100 countries, backed by data from more than 20 million patients. Our Advanced Technology Development (ATD) team in Switzerland is where breakthrough ideas become real products.
As a ML Scientist, you will develop and explore advanced methods spanning 3D geometry processing, computer graphics, computer vision, and modern machine learning to solve fundamentally new and unsolved challenges. You will invent new ways to simulate, visualize, and predict dental outcomes, turning raw 3D scans and clinical imagery into intelligent, patient-specific experiences. This is applied research with direct product impact: your prototypes become the features millions of patients rely on.
The Advanced Technology Development team operates as Align’s applied research lab. We are a small, high-impact group of scientists and engineers who work 12-18 months ahead of the product roadmap. You will collaborate daily with clinicians, product managers, and engineering teams across our global offices. We value intellectual honesty, rapid experimentation, and shipping research that changes patient outcomes.
If you are a recent graduate with ambition, curiosity, some relevant reseach work and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you, even if you don't tick all the boxes of this job description.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and improve machine learning models as part of the exocad AI Design product. This includes mainly models to analyze & segment 3D intraoral scans and models to generate 3D teeth. This entails:
- Building data collection, pre- and post-processing pipelines.
- Adapting, implementing and training 3D geometric machine learning models.
- Work on numerical optimization and classical 3D geometry processing algorithms to complement the ML models.
- Work closely with our dentists and dental technicians to build domain knowledge into the algorithms.
- Optimize test-time ML pipelines for speed and memory usage.
- Build processes to validate performance and robustness of the test-time ML pipelines.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
What we're looking for
- Master's degree in computer science or similar education.
- 3+ years of relevant experience
- Some industry exposure / internships are a big plus.
- Solid grounding in linear algebra, analytical geometry, probability, and optimization.
- A strong interest in 3D Geometry Processing / Computer Graphics / Computer Vision / Machine Learning.
- Experience in Python and some knowledge of the following libraries:
- PyTorch
- 3D geometry processing libraries such as trimesh, pymeshlab, open3d, libigl
- Standard data processing libraries such as numpy, opencv, scikit, scipy
- Some knowledge of CI/CD, DevOps, MLOps, Unit Tests.
- Experience with 3D / geometric machine learning architectures.
- Knowledge about the most common neural network architectures such as AE, VAE, MLP, CNN, transformer, GAN, diffusion model.
- The ability to work on cutting-edge research projects, while having a product mindset.
About
Your growth and well-being:At Align, every smile matters. We’re committed to helping you thrive by supporting the health, growth, and well-being of our team members through a variety of tools and programs. While specific offerings may vary by location and role, Align employees can typically expect:Health and well-being programs to keep you thriving in both body and mind.Employee-exclusive discounts on Invisalign products.Learning opportunities through online learning resources and support for your individual development plans.Inclusive, global workplace that fosters collaboration, recognition and belonging.Country and/or role specific details will be shared with you by your recruiter during the interview process. Discover Align:We are a global community of game-changers and smart team players, united by our belief in the power of a smile. Our dynamic team of exceptional employees is dedicated to transforming the industry and creating extraordinary outcomes every day.Align’s core values of agility, customer, and accountability are more than words to work by, they are words we live by. The actions we take every day speak to who we are as a company and our focus on being truly impactful. We celebrate our differences, and the many ways we support one another— ultimately creating a more inclusive organization and world as we continue transforming smiles and changing lives.We foster a culture where thinking differently and seeking new experiences are not just encouraged but celebrated. With the Align Mindset, we empower each other, ensuring every voice is heard and valued in an inclusive environment that inspires creativity and collaboration.At Align, we believe in the power of a smile, and we know that every smile is as unique as our employees. As we grow, we are committed to building a workforce rich in diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, fostering a culture of open-mindedness and compassion. We live our company values by promoting healthy people and healthy communities, all with the intent of changing millions of lives, one unique smile at a time. As part of our commitment to innovation, Align Technology includes exocad and Cubicure, companies that enhance our offerings and extend our impact to industry transformation.Eager to learn how we embrace our global differences and nurture employee well-being? Explore Align's culture here!Want to discover more about exocad and Cubicure? Click on their names for additional information.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in computer science or similar
- 3+ years of relevant experience
- Industry exposure or internships
- Solid grounding in linear algebra, analytical geometry, probability, and optimization
- Strong interest and experience in 3D Geometry Processing / Computer Graphics / Computer Vision / Machine Learning
- Experience in Python and knowledge of PyTorch
- Familiarity with 3D geometry libraries (trimesh, pymeshlab, open3d, libigl)
- Experience with standard data processing libraries (numpy, OpenCV, scikit, scipy)
- Some knowledge of CI/CD, DevOps, MLOps, and unit testing
- Experience with 3D / geometric machine learning architectures
- Knowledge of common neural architectures (AE, VAE, MLP, CNN, Transformer, GAN, diffusion models)
- Ability to work on cutting-edge research with a product mindset and collaborate with clinicians and product teams
Align Technology Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Align Technology and has not been reviewed or approved by Align Technology.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life, and both short‑ and long‑term disability, along with AD&D and wellness resources. Select locations add region‑specific programs such as medical coverage and Multisport, reinforcing breadth.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — A corporate bonus plan outlines performance‑based rewards and eligibility, and compensation is described as competitive in commercial roles. Incentive structures in sales are portrayed as offering strong on‑target earnings potential.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs feature a 401(k) plan with company contribution mechanisms, profit sharing, and a defined contribution pension plan. These elements emphasize long‑term financial security alongside salary and bonus.
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The Company
What We Do
Twenty years ago, we pioneered the world's first clear aligners. Since then, we have continuously innovated with new products and technologies that are revolutionizing treatments for doctors and their patients. Invisalign clear aligners and the iTero Intraoral scanner help dental professionals achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, advanced dental options to their patients. Helping change millions of lives, one smile at a time. Discover your straight path to a bright future at Align. As a part of our smart, diverse and fast-moving global team, you'll make an impact for the market leader that's moving an industry forward. Want to find out what’s next for us—and for you?
