Imaging Systems Engineer II

Collectors Universe, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 78,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Matching

Flexible Hours

Vacation

Holiday Pay

Employee Discounts

Fun Working Environment

Job summary

Collectors Universe, Inc. is seeking an Imaging Systems Engineer II to maintain and develop imaging solutions for high-quality product images. The role reports to the Process Automation Manager and is based on-site in Santa Ana, CA, with up to 50% travel.

You will design and optimize 2D/3D vision systems, calibrate devices, and collaborate across software, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless image handoffs to customers.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 1 year and a Master’s degree; or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test 2D and 3D vision systems using lighting, optics, cameras, controllers, software, and related accessories.
• Research and recommend new equipment and technologies to improve image quality and workflow efficiency.
• Support setup, calibration, and maintenance of industrial camera systems including Keyence, Cognex, and LMI.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with cameras, lighting, and vision programs to minimize downtime.
• Manage documentation and parameter control of machine vision systems.
• Develop, document, and implement SOPs for machine vision to ensure consistency and quality.
• Execute FAT and SAT for industrial automation equipment.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the imaging pipeline to maximize efficiency and output.
• Collaborate with software, operations, and commercial teams to hand off images to internal/external customers.

Skills

Machine vision systems

Independent projects

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Insight Vision Suite

VisionPro

Pylon

Gocator

Keyence

Cognex

LMI

Job description

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault, and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team. Our services span collectible trading cards, autographs, comic books, coins, video games, event tickets, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, Beckett, SGC, and Card Ladder. Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 3000 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana, California and offices in New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the UK, and France.

As part of our interview process, we request that candidates have their cameras on during video interviews. This helps foster meaningful conversation and allows us to create an experience that closely resembles our standard working environment. Certain interview steps may take place by phone. For remote roles, and at our discretion, candidates may be asked to participate in an on‑site interview as part of the final stages of the process. We understand there may be occasional circumstances requiring accommodation and are happy to discuss them as needed.

We’re looking for a self‑motivated and experienced Imaging Systems Engineer II to join our dynamic community of collectors. This position will be responsible for maintaining and developing imaging solutions, from equipment deployment and setup to the ongoing production support. The ideal candidate will be independently motivated, capable of managing provided tasks, and ensuring the efficient and high‑quality production of product images that meet our brand’s high standards. You’ll report directly to the Process Automation Manager and work onsite from our Santa Ana, California office with frequent travel, up to 50%.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, develop, and test 2D and 3D vision systems utilizing lighting, optics, cameras, controllers, software, and related accessories.
• Research and recommend new equipment and technologies to improve image quality and workflow efficiency.
• Support the setup, calibration, and maintenance of a wide range of industrial camera systems including Keyence, Cognex, and LMI.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with cameras, lighting, and vision programs to minimize production downtime.
• Manage documentation and parameter control of machine vision systems.
• Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for machine vision systems to ensure consistency and quality.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for Industrial Automation Equipment.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the imaging pipeline, from setup and calibration to final image upload, to maximize efficiency and output.
• Collaborate with the software, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless handoff of images to internal and external customers.

Who You Are:

• Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 1 years and a Master’s degree; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in machine vision systems, with a strong emphasis on hardware selection and imaging software.
• Hands‑on experience with deploying, operating, and troubleshooting machine vision equipment is essential.
• Capable of driving independent projects to completion while actively contributing to team goals.
• Experience designing, calibrating and operating machine vision inspection and automation systems.
• Proficiency with vision software (e.g., Insight Vision Suite, VisionPro, VS Creator, Pylon, GoPXL/Gocator).
• Capable in imaging QA and hardware selection for specific field‑of‑view and resolution requirements.
• Certified Vision Professional (Basic or Advanced) Certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with Industrial Communication Protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet IP, ModBus, Profinet) is a plus.
• Understanding of AI/Deep Learning imaging applications and tools is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving and technical troubleshooting abilities.
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to producing high‑quality work.

Physical Requirements:

• Computer Use: Typing, mouse work, and sitting and looking at a computer potentially for long periods of time.
• Hand Use: Regular hand use for various tasks.
• Hearing Requirements: Ability to hear alarms, signals, and verbal instructions.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to routinely lift, carry and move materials up to 40 pounds.
• Sitting or Standing: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Vision: Using vision aiding devices, as well as sitting in dark or dimly lit rooms with soft desk lighting.

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $78,000-$93,000. Actual compensation on this range varies based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, experience, and skill set.

Reasons to Join Us:

• Health Insurance: All full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Additional Benefits: Full‑time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits.
• 401(k) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals.
• Vacation: All salaried employees are eligible for flexible time‑off.
• Holiday Pay: All regular, full‑time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays.
• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions.
• Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs.
• Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Collectors uses e-Verify to validate your ability to work legally in the United States.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We believe that a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills will better service the diverse community of collectors we support.

If you require an accommodation to apply or interview with us due to a disability or special need, please email [e-mail].

U.S. residents: for disclosures relating to personal information we collect during the employment application and recruitment process, please see our Privacy Notice for U.S. Applicants.

For New York Residents: In connection with hiring, Collectors Universe, Inc. uses an automated employment decision tool (Brighthire) to assist in evaluating candidates. Collectors Universe, Inc. began using this tool in October 2026. In accordance with NYC Local Law 144, a summary of the most recent independent bias audit of this tool is available from Brighthire. To request information about the type of data collected, its source, and our data retention policy, contact [e-mail].