Engineer Technician - R&D and Automation

Smith; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith is seeking an Engineering Technician to support R&D and Automation in the design, development, and global deployment of hardware and software solutions. You will bridge mechanical design, robotic integration, and software engineering to drive profitability and technical excellence.

Key activities include building proprietary software, automating workflows, and ensuring secure, well-documented software changes.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript for tooling and automation.
• Experience with OpenCV and a basic understanding of AI training vs inference workflows.
• Strong IT admin skills across Windows, macOS, Linux, plus basic networking concepts.

Responsibilities

• Software engineering and process automation to streamline hardware and logistics workflows.
• Develop and deploy proprietary software to reduce external licensing costs.
• Identify bottlenecks and create scripts or frameworks to boost efficiency and save costs.
• Support vision systems integration, image acquisition, and basic OpenCV scripting.
• Assist in deploying inference models on edge devices and data labeling tasks.
• Support robotics hardware setup, calibration, and 3D printed prototyping.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/TypeScript

OpenCV

3D CAD

Problem solving

Tools

OpenCV

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

AWS

Git

Job description

Smith is the leading independent electronic components distributor in the world. Since our founding in 1984, Smith’s Intelligent Distribution model and commitment to quality has allowed us to deliver comprehensive solutions to electronic component supply chains. We work across a variety of industries including automotive, supercomputing, gaming, medical devices, oil and gas, and more. Additionally, we provide tailored supply chain solutions such as counterfeit testing, vendor inventory management, and sustainable hardware disposition. We're excited to meet you and share what we love about Smith!

The Engineering Technician plays a critical role in supporting the R&D and Automation department in the design, development, and global deployment of proprietary hardware and software solutions. This role bridges the gap between mechanical design, robotic integration, and advanced software engineering to drive operational profitability and technical excellence.

Main Responsibilities

• Software Engineering & Process Automation
• Custom Solutions: Develop and deploy proprietary software (Python, Rust, JS/TS) to automate hardware and logistics workflows.
• Core Systems Contribution: Write, test, and deploy critical code patches for corporate-level software to minimize external licensing costs.
• Profitability & Efficiency: Identify manual bottlenecks and develop utility scripts or automation frameworks to generate cost savings and increase operational speed.
• Data Security & Lifecycle: Adhere to Smith Policy network security standards and maintain meticulous documentation of all software modifications and component obsolescence.
• Computer Vision & AI Implementation
• Vision Systems Integration: Support the selection, mounting, and calibration of industrial cameras and specialized lighting to optimize image acquisition.
• OpenCV Scripting: Develop basic image processing scripts (filtering, thresholding, contour detection) to assist in feature extraction for inspection systems.
• AI/ML Support: Assist in deploying inference models on edge devices, including data labeling, dataset management, and accuracy testing for anomaly detection.
• Robotics, 3D Modeling & Hardware
• Robotics & Cobots: Assist in the physical installation, basic point-to-point teaching, and routine calibration of industrial arms.
• CAD Design: Utilize 3D modeling software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to design custom mechanical components, brackets, and enclosures.
• Rapid Prototyping: Manage 3D printing workflows and physical assembly of prototype stations.
• Hardware Lifecycle: Install and upgrade complex components (CPUs, RAM, storage) in x86 and embedded systems across global sites.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Programming: Expertise in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML/CSS, and specialized industrial languages (e.g., ZPL).
• Vision & AI: Practical experience with OpenCV and a basic understanding of AI training vs. inference workflows.
• IT Infrastructure: Advanced administration of Windows, OSX, and Linux environments. Foundational networking knowledge (Cisco, Ubiquiti).
• Mechanical & Optics: Proficiency in 3D CAD software and a solid grasp of industrial optics
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to act as a proactive problem-solver in high-pressure, fast-paced R&D environments.

Preferred & Bonus Skills

• AI experience with RAG systems, local model deployment, or ML/AI development.
• Cloud & DevOps: Familiarity with AWS (EC2, S3, RDS) and CI/CD practices (Git).
• Certification: A+ Certification or specialized Python/Software Engineering certificates

FSLA: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.