Automated Optical Inspection Engineer

Element Solutions; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonus

401k with company matching

Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

9 holidays

Job summary

Element Solutions is seeking an Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) Engineer in the US to program, operate, and maintain AOI equipment, analyze results, and drive quality improvements. You will collaborate with process engineers, QA, and production, deploying AOI systems from concept to manufacturing transfer.

The role requires 5+ years in AOI or similar roles, strong machine vision skills, and willingness to travel up to 25% internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/IT, Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years in AOI or related inspection roles, preferably in electronics manufacturing.
• Proficiency in AOI systems, image processing software, machine vision technologies, and inspection equipment operation.
• Mobility to travel internationally up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• System Development & Deployment: develop and deploy AOI systems from concept through manufacturing transfer.
• Programming & Maintenance: program and operate AOI machines to detect defects.
• Optimization: adjust inspection parameters to improve accuracy and throughput.
• Troubleshooting: diagnose and resolve technical issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaboration: work with process engineers, QA teams and production staff to improve inspection strategies.
• Preventive Maintenance: perform routine checks and define calibration protocols.
• Customization: design or modify inspection programs and fixtures for production needs.
• Reporting: prepare inspection results and reports for quality and production teams.
• Continuous Improvement: support initiatives to improve yield and delivery performance.

Skills

AOI systems

Programming

Image processing

Machine vision

Inspection equipment

Quality control

Robotics automation

Controls IoT

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/IT or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Keyence

Cognex

Apera

Matrox Imaging

Halcon

OpenCV

Job description

Element Solutions

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Veteran/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation

Who are we looking for?

The Global Engineering team is looking to hire an Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) Engineer. As an AOI Engineer, you will be responsible for programming, operating, and maintaining automated optical inspection equipment to detect defects in our products and intermediates. Your daily tasks may include analyzing inspection results, optimizing detection parameters, collaborating with process engineers and production staff, and troubleshooting technical issues to minimize false positives and negatives. You will also prepare reports on inspection findings, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and support quality control teams. Working in this role involves both hands‑on equipment works and cross‑departmental collaboration, providing a dynamic and rewarding environment for those passionate about quality assurance. You will work closely with the Machine Design / Build, System Controls Global Engineering and Quality Control Teams within various manufacturing and R&D sites.

What will you be doing?

• System Development & Deployment: Develop, deploy, and maintain AOI systems from concept through manufacturing transfer, ensuring they meet quality and production requirements.
• Programming & Maintenance: Program and operate AOI machines to detect defects such as misaligned components, surface finish flaws, dimensional (3D) defects, and other quality concerns.
• Optimization: Adjust inspection parameters to improve accuracy, reduce false positives/negatives, and enhance throughput.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues with AOI equipment to minimize downtime.
• Collaboration: Work closely with process engineers, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing staff to improve inspection strategies and overall quality control. Work with Product management and R&D to develop defect libraries for new products, and to integrate these defect libraries into new and existing production equipment.
• Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and preventive checks on inspection machines, defining calibration protocols and/or defining attribute gage R&R to prove reliability of the AOI.
• Customization: Design or modify inspection programs and custom fixtures to support specific production needs. Translate defect catalogs into AOI protocols in close collaboration with the QA team.
• Reporting: Prepare inspection results and reports for quality and production teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance delivery performance.

Who are You?

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience: 5+ years in AOI or related inspection roles, preferably in electronics manufacturing. Previous direct employment or working experience with Vision Inspection Technology Partners such as Keyence, Cognex, Apera, Matrox Imaging, Halcon, OpenCV, etc. is favorable
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in AOI systems and programming, image processing software, machine vision technologies, inspection equipment operation, and quality control methodologies. Robotics automation and Controls/IOT integration & documentation experience would be highly beneficial.
• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, and communication.
• Mobility: Ability to travel international to various manufacturing and research and development sites up to 25%.

What competencies will you need?

• Industry Experience: Electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, semiconductor fabrication, and related cleanroom environments.
• Tools: AOI machine programming software, inspection hardware, and quality control systems integrated with manufacturing execution systems.
• Collaboration: Cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality engineering, and production supervision.

We are Offering...

As part of our team here, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus plan.The salary range for this role is between $95,406 and $143,108 depending on experience and education. In addition, you will also receive a 401k plan with company matching, Life Insurance, and Medical Insurance as well as 9 holidays.

Innovative- At ESI, we are committed to solving the complex and evolving needs of our customers through innovation and high-quality standards. We are focused on bringing cutting edge and environmentally sustainable solutions to the market. Our people are the critical resource required to make that happen. We support your success by creating a strong, inclusive culture, competitive total rewards, and an appropriate work-life balance.

Socially Responsible- We care about what you care about. We respect the individual differences that make up our unique expanding organization. We prioritize both sustainability and social impact in both our business operations and our local communities through our various ESI Cares initiatives and the ESI Foundation. There are many ways to get involved from employee network groups that support your interests and sense of belonging to paid volunteer days.

Rewarding Performance- We are a performance driven culture where every individual has the opportunity to contribute through their actions and judgment. We strive to reward those who choose excellence through both recognition and compensation. Those who demonstrate good judgement, positive attitude, solid work ethics and ambitious objectives will see their responsibilities grow along with their compensation.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.