There is applied machine learning (using machine learning to solve business problems) and theoretical machine learning (Optimization bounds, proofs, algorithm design).

With applied machine learning it is certainly possible to quickly get a working knowledge without too much reliance on statistics or difficult theory. You can compare this a bit with using a sorting function without knowing exactly how it works (but you know how fast it is and when to use it).

If you have an engineering background, take a look at the wide array of high-quality ML code and tools. Study trendy and powerful tools like XGBoost.