Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer

Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer designs, programs, integrates, and commissions machine vision and controls systems for custom automation equipment. This role focuses on developing advanced vision solutions, integrating them with PLCs, robotics, and motion control systems, and ensuring successful deployment in fast-paced manufacturing environments. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams and customers to deliver high-quality, reliable automation solutions that meet performance, budget, and schedule requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop machine vision solutions for custom automation applications in industrial and manufacturing environments.
• Program, test, and integrate vision systems with controls platforms, PLCs, robotics, motion control systems, and other automation equipment.
• Debug and commission automation systems both internally and at customer sites, ensuring reliable operation and performance.
• Select, evaluate, and specify vision hardware including cameras, lenses, filters, and lighting solutions appropriate for each application.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, designers, electricians, and customers to plan, execute, and deliver automation projects successfully.
• Ensure projects meet budget, quality, and delivery requirements, proactively addressing technical and schedule risks.
• Create, maintain, and update project documentation, including system designs, configuration details, test plans, and commissioning records.
• Train customers on system operation, programming concepts, and best practices for using and maintaining vision and controls systems.
• Provide technical support during installation, commissioning, and post-implementation phases, including troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and software issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within controls and automation engineering teams, contributing ideas to enhance standards, tools, and processes.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning vision systems, automated equipment, or custom machinery.
• Strong hands-on experience with machine vision systems, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and vision algorithms.
• Proficiency in electrical design and controls design for industrial automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC programming, PLC troubleshooting, and integrating PLCs with vision systems and other automation equipment.
• Experience integrating vision systems with robotics, motion control systems, sensors, and industrial equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and software systems in automation environments.
• Ability to travel frequently, including international travel, to support commissioning and customer engagements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional project teams.
• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with controls engineering tools and platforms, including AutoCAD Electrical for electrical and controls design.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Vision Professional (CVP) certification.
• Experience with robotics and robot integration in automated systems.
• Experience with motion control systems, including servo drives and controllers.
• Experience with laser systems, dispensing systems, and other industrial automation equipment.
• Background in industrial automation and automation systems for manufacturing.
• Experience commissioning automation systems at customer sites, including on-site troubleshooting and optimization.
• Ability to document complex systems clearly and train end users on programming concepts and system operation.
• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Work Environment

This role operates in a dynamic industrial automation and manufacturing environment, working with custom machinery, machine vision hardware, PLCs, robotics, motion control systems, laser and dispensing equipment, and related controls technologies. The position involves approximately 50% travel, including international travel, to customer facilities for system integration, commissioning, and training. Work is typically performed in a mix of office, engineering lab, and production floor settings, requiring regular interaction with project teams, electricians, and customer personnel. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and adherence to project timelines, with access to modern engineering tools such as AutoCAD Electrical and advanced vision and automation platforms.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lewis Center, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $60.10/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lewis Center,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.