Optics & Vision Engineer

Precision AI; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge agricultural tech firm in Calgary is searching for an Optics & Vision Engineer who will design and integrate camera systems for UAV applications. This hybrid role involves hands-on testing, calibration, and validation of vision systems in real-world agricultural conditions. Ideal candidates have 2-3 years of experience in robotic or automotive vision systems and possess strong troubleshooting skills. Join us to help revolutionize agriculture with innovative technology!

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of professional experience working with camera or vision systems.
• Hands-on experience with robotic, automotive, or UAV vision systems.
• Understanding of camera hardware, optics, and image pipeline fundamentals.
• Experience integrating cameras into real-world systems and validating performance.
• Exposure to outdoor or harsh-environment deployments.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical functionality of camera and vision subsystems.
• Select, configure, and integrate cameras for outdoor agricultural environments.
• Perform camera calibration and validate image quality under varying conditions.
• Iterate quickly based on field feedback.
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Embedded Engineers.

Skills

Camera and vision system design

Integration and calibration of vision systems

Field testing and iteration

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving and troubleshooting

Tools

Camera systems

Robotic systems

UAV systems

Job description

Precision AI is on a mission to transform agriculture with cutting‑edge drone technology. Our aerial spraying systems help farmers target weeds with surgical precision, reducing chemical use and increasing yields. We’re a fast‑moving, impact‑driven team looking for people who want to help build the future of farming.

Role Overview

The ideal Optics & Vision Engineer at Precision AI is someone who understands camera systems end to end—from optics and sensors through image pipelines and real‑world deployment. You’ll work in a multidisciplinary environment alongside robotics, embedded, mechanical, and AI engineers, developing vision subsystems that enable reliable perception for UAV‑based agricultural operations.

If you enjoy owning the technical functionality of cameras and vision stacks—how they’re selected, configured, integrated, and validated in the field—this role will feel like home. You bring hands‑on experience with robotic or automotive vision systems and the curiosity to deeply understand how imaging performance translates into real‑world outcomes.

You’ll spend your days designing, integrating, and tuning camera‑based systems used for navigation, perception, and spraying workflows. Some days you’ll be validating image quality, latency, and synchronization in the lab; other days you’ll be in the field testing performance under sunlight, dust, vibration, and real agricultural conditions.

At Precision AI, we move fast and build things that matter. If you’re a high‑energy engineer who enjoys building, testing, and iterating on real systems—and wants to see your work directly impact sustainable agriculture we’d love to meet you.

This role is hybrid in Calgary due to the hands‑on nature of camera integration, testing, and UAV field validation.

Key Responsibilities

Camera & Vision System Design

• Own the technical functionality of camera and vision subsystems used on UAV platforms.
• Select, configure, and integrate cameras, lenses, and sensors appropriate for outdoor agricultural environments in day and night conditions
• Understand and manage the full camera stack, including optics, sensors, drivers, and image pipelines.
• Define performance requirements for resolution, frame rate, latency, synchronization, and robustness.

Integration, Calibration & Validation

• Integrate vision systems with embedded compute, perception, and autonomy stacks.
• Perform camera calibration (intrinsic/extrinsic) and maintain calibration workflows.
• Validate image quality and system performance under varying lighting, motion, vibration, and weather conditions.
• Debug vision issues related to exposure, noise, distortion, timing, or environmental effects.
• Support field deployments and actively participate in on‑site testing and data collection.

Field Testing & Iteration

• Iterate quickly based on field feedback to improve reliability and performance.
• Design test plans and acceptance criteria for vision subsystems.
• Analyze field data to identify failure modes and drive corrective improvements.
• Work closely with AI/ML engineers to ensure vision outputs meet downstream perception needs.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineers on camera mounting, protection, and vibration isolation.
• Partner with Embedded Engineers to align camera interfaces, bandwidth, and timing constraints.

Relevant Experience

• 2–3 years of professional experience working with camera or vision systems.
• Hands‑on experience with robotic, automotive, or UAV vision systems.
• Understanding of camera hardware, optics, and image pipeline fundamentals.
• Experience integrating cameras into real‑world systems and validating performance.
• Exposure to outdoor or harsh‑environment deployments (agtech, automotive, robotics preferred).

What You Bring

• High‑energy, hands‑on mindset with enthusiasm for field testing and iteration.
• Design‑build‑drive or design‑build‑fly mentality—comfortable owning systems end to end.
• Strong troubleshooting instincts and curiosity about how vision systems really behave.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Willingness to travel 5–10% for field deployments and integration tests.

Bonus

• Experience with agricultural robotics or outdoor autonomous systems.
• Background working on automotive camera systems or ADAS perception stacks.
• Experience with EO/IR payloads, including static or gimbal‑mounted cameras.
• Participation in Formula SAE, design‑build‑drive, or design‑build‑fly teams.
• Experience with calibration tooling, synchronization, or multi‑camera systems.
• Competition or Open Source Team Experience.

Not Sure You Meet Every Requirement?

Research shows that some candidates, especially women, under‑represented groups, and career changers, are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. At Precision AI, we believe the right person can grow into the role, and we value potential as much as experience. If you’re excited about our mission and think you could contribute, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check every single box.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.