Hardware Applications Engineer — Structural Design

Tristar AI; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tristar AI is seeking an experienced Hardware Applications Engineer to design, configure, and deploy hardware setups for vision systems on a project-by-project basis. You will assess customer environments and design practical camera mounting solutions for production lines, working with engineering and deployment teams to ensure stability and serviceability.

Responsibilities include CAD modeling, installation instructions, and collaboration with camera, lighting, electrical, and deployment teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical or hardware engineering.
• Hands-on experience designing structures or mounting systems for industrial cameras or machine vision.
• Proficiency with CAD software and ability to produce fabrication drawings.
• Understanding of how vibration, tolerances, line speed, and environmental conditions affect vision system performance.
• Experience taking designs from concept through fabrication, installation, and validation.
• Ability to work directly with engineers, field teams, vendors, and customer personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design camera mounts, brackets, frames, enclosures, and other mechanical structures for vision systems on production lines.
• Assess line geometry, part movement, vibration, access, and space constraints to determine camera and lighting placement.
• Develop CAD models, drawings, bills of materials, and installation instructions for custom hardware.
• Select materials and components that meet the needs of the production environment and allow for adjustment and maintenance.
• Coordinate with camera, lighting, electrical, and deployment teams to turn inspection requirements into installable hardware designs.
• Work with fabricators and integrators to source, build, and install equipment.
• Support onsite installation, alignment, testing, and troubleshooting at customer facilities.
• Improve hardware designs based on lessons learned from pilot and production deployments.

Skills

Mechanical design

Systems integration

CAD proficiency

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical/hardware engineering

On-site installation support

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Tristar AI is a cutting-edge computer vision startup transforming quality control and safety in manufacturing through scalable, AI-driven defect detection systems. Our technology is deployed on high-speed lines across industries, delivering ROI through accuracy, efficiency, and automation.

Location

Must be based in the Boston area and willing to commute to our Cambridge, MA office at least three times a week. This role also involves some travel to customer sites.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Hardware Applications Engineer to support the design, configuration, and deployment of hardware setups for vision systems on a project-by-project basis. This role is ideal for someone who can assess customer environments and design practical camera mounting and structural solutions for production lines. You will work closely with our engineering and deployment teams to ensure each system is stable, serviceable, and suited to the manufacturing environment. Experience designing and deploying camera or vision system structures is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Design camera mounts, brackets, frames, enclosures, and other mechanical structures for vision systems on production lines.
• Assess line geometry, part movement, vibration, access, and space constraints to determine camera and lighting placement.
• Develop CAD models, drawings, bills of materials, and installation instructions for custom hardware.
• Select materials and components that meet the needs of the production environment and allow for adjustment and maintenance.
• Coordinate with camera, lighting, electrical, and deployment teams to turn inspection requirements into installable hardware designs.
• Work with fabricators and integrators to source, build, and install equipment.
• Support onsite installation, alignment, testing, and troubleshooting at customer facilities.
• Improve hardware designs based on lessons learned from pilot and production deployments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical or hardware engineering, systems integration, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience designing structures or mounting systems for industrial cameras, machine vision equipment, or manufacturing automation.
• Proficiency with CAD software and the ability to produce clear drawings for fabrication and installation.
• Understanding of how vibration, tolerances, line speed, and environmental conditions affect vision system performance.
• Experience taking designs from concept through fabrication, installation, and validation.
• Ability to work directly with engineers, field teams, vendors, and customer personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with industrial cameras, lenses, and lighting.
• Familiarity with machine guarding, conveyors, PLC-controlled equipment, or industrial electrical systems.
• Experience deploying equipment on active manufacturing lines.

Salary Range: $140,000 - 180,000 + equity grants