Machine Vision Specialist

Engineer I, Automation - Machine Vision Specialist

Location: Wrightstown, WI

Why This Role / Why Now

This role is an opportunity to help expand machine vision capability in a successful, growing, employee-owned automation company by designing and commissioning inspection solutions that improve quality and throughput. The position combines hands-on technical execution, building repeatable approaches to machine vision hardware selection, lighting/optics, integration with PLCs, and robust documentation to support scalable delivery.

Role Overview

The Engineer I, Automation - Machine Vision Specialist is responsible for designing, programming, and implementing machine vision inspection systems and related automation controls to improve quality, efficiency, and safety across industrial and business processes. This role applies engineering principles and advanced vision technologies to develop inspection solutions that minimize manual intervention and support robust production performance. The position collaborates with project managers, controls engineers, and production teams to ensure seamless integration of vision systems, compliance with applicable standards, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Role Overview

An entry-level automation engineer in the machine vision specialist track who possesses the foundational skills necessary to become proficient in machine vision inspection system design and integration. Demonstrates an aptitude for problem solving and troubleshooting related to image quality, device connectivity, and inspection performance. Learns about the organization, service offerings, and career paths available. Creates a development plan focused on technical, personal, and career growth, including targeted learning in vision hardware/software, lighting and optics, and PLC-to-vision communications, and learns and applies the standards and practices that define the company's approach to automation.

Key Outcomes

• Deliver machine vision inspection solutions that meet scope, schedule, and budget expectations, resulting in positive customer feedback and follow-on opportunities.
• Improve repeatability of vision projects by contributing to standard templates, documentation, and the "Pieper Automation Way" for vision design and commissioning.
• Increase technical proficiency in vision hardware/software, lighting/optics, and PLC-to-vision communications through a documented development plan and targeted training.
• Strengthen troubleshooting capability to resolve image quality, connectivity, and performance issues efficiently during test and startup.
• Support safe execution in shop and field work through consistent hazard recognition, JHA participation, and adherence to required safety training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Applications & Project Execution & Working In the Business

• Provide support for project execution, collaborating with the Pieper team and customers.
• Follow best practices and the "Pieper Automation Way" - especially in design, programming, and project documentation.
• Demonstrate a pattern of success on projects with positive customer feedback leading to additional work opportunities.
• Work with Project Managers to track and manage project cost/performance, execute projects on time and within budget.
• Assist with reviewing project scopes, recommending technical solutions, generating estimates and proposals in area of expertise.
• Assist in concept development, quoting, and proposal writing for machine vision inspection solutions.
• Provide technical support for programming, configuration, testing, field installation and commissioning of projects.
• Lead programming efforts within vision systems (and related PLC interfaces) when assigned; support startup activities for vision inspection systems.
• Coordinate parts acquisition and collaborate with panel shop, machine shop, electrical designers, and mechanical teams as needed to deliver machine vision inspection solutions.
• Support feasibility studies and trials to validate machine vision inspection concepts prior to full project execution.
• Troubleshoot and solve technical problems within areas of experience.
• Follow internal processes for time and cost management: forecasting, time entry, expense reports, maximizing billable work.

Branch Initiatives & Working On the Business

• Support EOS program by actively participating in L10s and completing meaningful quarterly rocks.
• Perform internal projects, focusing on Operational Excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop standards and processes to streamline engineering practices - the "Pieper Automation Way".
• Assist with team development by mentoring, training others, creating training plans, vendor interface, etc.

Personal Development Activities

• Create an Employee Development Plan and meet with supervisor quarterly to review progress.
• Create and track progress of SMART goals focused on technical, personal and/or professional development.
• Plan and achieve target hours for Continuing Education.
• Complete manufacturer and internal training as needed to support machine vision technologies and tools (online, hands-on, and project shadowing).

Safety / Hazard Recognition & Elimination

• Pre-plan and identify the methods to eliminate hazards daily by work task (JHA).
• Execute skill in observing habits and hazards of others and bringing it to their attention (BBS).
• Uphold safety as the most important value of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents.
• Promote and encourage open communication regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed.
• Complete safety training as expected by all company personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Typically up to two years of experience in industrial automation and/or training preferred.

This position requires a decisive worker that follows direction with a passion for hands-on work and a strong drive for customer satisfaction. Must have a desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

Demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity - both are non-negotiable.
• Communication skills and technical writing skills.
• Friendly, professional demeanor, ability to follow through on tasks.
• Work independently to meet deadlines and budgets, work on multiple jobs simultaneously, and fulfill all job requirements in a timely fashion.
• Effectively utilize Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, CoPilot, etc.
• Effectively utilize Engineering tools - Laptops, VMWare, Remote access devices, Network settings, etc.
• Understand Automation Design process - Ability to read and comprehend automation equipment manuals and electrical schematics.
• Interacting with customers and a drive for customer satisfaction.
• Create Functional Specifications.
• Perform field verification, construction support, field commissioning and project reviews.
• Understand wiring practices and electrical fieldwork.
• Be willing and capable of completing personal development plans for self. Demonstrate desire to learn and grow personally and professionally.

Demonstrate extensive knowledge of one or more of the following and general knowledge of the others:

• Vision System Development - Hardware Selection, Design, Optics and Lighting Geometry
• Vision Software Programming - Vision Tools, Component Communications, Data Exchange
• PLC Programming
• Operator Interface Programming
• Motion Control - VFDs, Servo drives, etc.
• Robotics
• Machine Safety
• IT Networks - Configuration and Security
• Computer Programming using various languages
• Process Control
• Use of Artificial Intelligence
• Ability to troubleshoot controls hardware/wiring and provide solutions
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office environment requiring sitting and standing.
• Travel to various customer sites for initial site assessments, system optimization, and commissioning.
• Reliable transportation is required.