Senior Vision Engineer

Senior Vision Engineer

Duncan SC

Detroit MI

Hammond IN

McCalla AL

Grand Prairie TX

Position Summary

The Vision Engineer serves as Lears subject matter expert for machine vision deep learning vision applications and system integration. This role is responsible for the complete lifecycle of vision projects including concept development system design programming installation commissioning plant training and post-launch support. The ideal candidate combines strong software development expertise with hands-on installation experience and is capable of leading complex vision system deployments in manufacturing environments worldwide.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a rare combination of software engineer vision specialist and hands-on industrial integrator. They possess strong Python and VPDL expertise are comfortable installing and commissioning equipment on plant floors can manage projects from concept through launch and have the leadership capability to mentor less-experienced team members while delivering complex vision solutions globally.

Key Responsibilities:

Vision System Design & Development

• Evaluate application requirements and select the most appropriate vision technologies cameras lighting optics and software platforms.
• Design develop and deploy machine vision solutions for manufacturing and quality inspection processes.
• Develop and maintain vision applications using Vision Pro Vision Pro Deep Learning (VPDL) and other deep-learning-based vision platforms.
• Build label validate and maintain image datasets ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of images to support AI and machine learning models.
• Optimize vision system performance accuracy reliability and uptime.

Software Engineering & Programming

• Develop PC-based applications primarily using Python.
• Support lower-level integrations and system enhancements using C/C as required.
• Configure and integrate vision software with manufacturing equipment and plant networks.
• Develop performance monitoring tools and key performance indicators to improve system reliability and reduce downtime.

System Integration & Commissioning

• Integrate vision systems with PLCs robots PCs HMIs and manufacturing equipment.
• Configure cameras frame grabbers communications cards industrial networks and related hardware.
• Develop test troubleshoot and validate complete PLC Vision System PC architectures.
• Lead system commissioning startup activities and customer acceptance testing.
• Develop contingency and disaster recovery plans for mission-critical vision applications.

Installation & Field Support

• Perform hands-on installation activities including camera mounting focusing mechanical adjustments and system setup.
• Use hand tools and basic mechanical equipment as needed during installations.
• Coordinate activities with plant personnel project teams maintenance groups and quality organizations.
• Train receiving plant personnel on operation troubleshooting and maintenance of deployed systems.
• Provide advanced technical support following project handoff.

Project Management & Leadership

• Manage projects from concept through final handoff while maintaining schedules budgets and deliverables.
• Establish and track project timelines and proactively communicate risks or delays.
• Gather technical requirements and resolve missing information with stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with plant quality managers engineering teams project managers and leadership.
• Mentor and train junior engineers and technicians to strengthen organizational capability and reduce dependency on key personnel.
• Complete risk assessments and ensure compliance with company safety and engineering standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering Computer Science Automation Robotics Controls Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in machine vision industrial automation manufacturing engineering or a related field.
• Strong programming experience in Python.
• Experience with Vision Pro Deep Learning (VPDL) and/or Cognex VisionPro applications.
• Experience configuring and programming industrial cameras optics lighting systems and vision hardware.
• Experience creating labeling validating and maintaining machine vision datasets.
• Experience integrating vision systems with PLCs industrial PCs robots and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot complete machine vision solutions from hardware through software.
• Willingness and ability to perform hands-on installation and commissioning work in manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to travel globally up to 50%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with C/C programming.
• Experience with Fanuc and/or Universal Robots (UR) programming and integration.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics using AutoCAD.
• Experience with frame grabbers communication cards and industrial networking technologies.
• Experience deploying AI and deep learning models within manufacturing environments.
• Previous leadership mentoring or technical team development experience.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Recognized expertise in machine vision technologies and available industry solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate alternatives and select optimal technical solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and accountability.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented results-driven and focused on continuous improvement.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with customers suppliers and internal teams.
• Comfortable working independently in plant environments while driving projects to successful completion.