Mechanical Vision Engineer

Actalent; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in the United States seeks a Mechanical Vision Engineer to design precision mechanical assemblies for machine vision systems, integrating cameras, optics, and lighting into automated equipment.

You will work across design, testing, and manufacturing releases, applying GD&T, DFM/DFA, and tolerance analysis while collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to deliver production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in optical machine vision in industrial environments.
• Hands-on with cameras, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, lighting.
• 2+ years of mechanical design for precision assemblies.
• Proficient in SolidWorks for 3D models and drawings.
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical assemblies for machine vision systems (camera mounts, fixtures, enclosures).
• Support integration of vision hardware into automated equipment and platforms.
• Participate in concept through manufacturing release with DFMA focus.
• Perform tolerance analysis and apply GD&T for robust designs.
• Collaborate with suppliers to mature mechanical/optical designs.
• Assist with prototype builds, design reviews, and production handoff.
• Consider thermal aspects for lighting and sensitive optics.
• Communicate progress and risks across engineering teams.

Skills

Optical machine vision

Mechanical design

SolidWorks

GD&T tolerance analysis

DFM/DFA

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Vision Engineer Job Description

The Mechanical Vision Engineer designs and develops precision mechanical assemblies for industrial machine vision systems and integrates cameras, optics, and related hardware into automated equipment. This role participates in the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through testing, prototyping, validation, and manufacturing release, with a strong focus on manufacturability, reliability, and long-term system performance. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to resolve mechanical, optical, and automation issues and to ensure production-ready solutions for advanced machine vision and automation applications.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical assemblies for industrial machine vision systems, including camera mounts, optical fixtures, illumination assemblies, protective enclosures, and alignment mechanisms.
• Support the integration of cameras, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, lighting, sensors, and other vision hardware into automated equipment and complex electromechanical platforms.
• Participate in design activities throughout the product lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, testing, prototype builds, validation, and manufacturing release.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and apply GD&T principles to ensure robust, manufacturable designs that meet performance, assembly, and reliability requirements.
• Develop designs with a strong emphasis on design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA), considering sheet metal, machined parts, aluminum extrusions, and tooling.
• Create and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including detailed drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), engineering change orders (ECOs), and related design records.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, optical, and automation-related issues in machine vision and automated equipment, and support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate components, refine mechanical and optical designs, and ensure components and assemblies are ready for production.
• Work closely with internal engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, optical, and automation engineers, to integrate vision systems into automated machinery, robotics, semiconductor tools, or manufacturing equipment.
• Support prototype builds, design reviews, and manufacturing release activities, ensuring that designs transition smoothly from development to production.
• Consider thermal aspects in mechanical design where applicable, particularly for equipment involving high-power lighting or thermally sensitive optical components.
• Manage multiple design tasks and projects simultaneously while communicating progress, risks, and technical issues clearly across engineering teams.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of practical experience developing or integrating optical machine vision systems within automated or industrial environments.
• Hands-on experience working with industrial cameras, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, machine vision lighting, and strobed LED illumination.
• Minimum of 2 years of mechanical design experience focused on precision mechanical assemblies for manufacturing or automation applications.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D mechanical design tools for creating detailed models and drawings.
• Experience integrating cameras, optics, sensors, and illumination systems into complex electromechanical or automation equipment.
• Background working with automated machinery, robotics, semiconductor equipment, manufacturing systems, or similar industrial platforms.
• Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T and tolerance analysis, including performing tolerance stack-ups.
• Experience with design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA) for sheet metal parts, machined components, aluminum extrusions, and associated tooling.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, with exposure to electromechanical, optical, or automation systems.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and manage competing deadlines in a dynamic engineering environment.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with thermal considerations and thermal analysis in mechanical design, particularly for systems involving lighting and sensitive optical components.
• Prior experie