Machine Vision Engineer - Automated Inspection

3M; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

3M in Maplewood, MN is seeking an Automated Inspection Engineer to drive machine-vision based automation across manufacturing operations. You will lead the design, integration, deployment, and support of inspection and measurement systems, partnering with internal customers to translate requirements into robust technical solutions.

This role emphasizes opto-mechanical design, imaging, lighting, optics, cameras, sensors, and software, with opportunities to guide strategic technology planning and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• Advanced degree is a plus (MS/PhD).
• 2 years of experience with machine vision for manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with Cognex, Zebra or similar vision systems.
• Knowledge in image processing, optics, lighting, and cameras.
• Experience defining requirements and planning.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application engineering, integration, deployment, and support of automated inspection and machine vision systems for 3M manufacturing operations.
• Partner with internal customers to translate requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy inspection and measurement systems (opto-mechanical design, imaging, lighting, optics, cameras, sensors, software).
• Support strategic planning for machine vision technology development across 3M.
• Collaborate within cross-functional teams to improve productivity and plant performance.
• Evaluate emerging machine vision technologies for applicability.
• Provide technical leadership during system specification, vendor selection, and production handoff.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide ongoing Tier 2 support for installed systems.

Skills

Machine vision

Automation

System integration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/CS/Physics

Master’s degree or higher (advantage)

Tools

Cognex

Zebra

Job description

3M in Maplewood, MN is seeking an Automated Inspection Engineer to drive machine-vision based automation across manufacturing operations. You will lead the design, integration, deployment, and support of inspection and measurement systems, partnering with internal customers to translate requirements into robust technical solutions.

This role emphasizes opto-mechanical design, imaging, lighting, optics, cameras, sensors, and software, with opportunities to guide strategic technology planning and