Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer

Actalent; Kentucky; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer to design, program, integrate, and commission machine vision and controls systems for custom automation equipment. The role emphasizes developing advanced vision solutions, integrating with PLCs, robotics, and motion control, and ensuring successful deployment in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

You will work with cross-functional teams to meet performance, budget, and schedule requirements, travel frequently including

Qualifications

• 6+ years designing, programming, and commissioning vision systems or custom machinery.
• Experience with machine vision cameras, lighting, and vision algorithms.
• Electrical and controls design for industrial automation systems.
• PLC programming and PLC integration with vision systems and other automation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop machine vision solutions for automation applications.
• Program, test, and integrate vision systems with PLCs, robotics, and motion control.
• Debug and commission automation systems at customer sites.
• Select vision hardware including cameras, lenses, lighting, and filters.
• Collaborate with project managers, designers, electricians, and customers to deliver projects.

Skills

Vision systems design

PLC integration

Machine vision hardware

Electrical design

Troubleshooting

Customer communication

Robotics integration

Motion control

Travel readiness

CVP certification

AutoCAD Electrical

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Systems/Computer Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer

The Senior Vision Controls Design Engineer designs, programs, integrates, and commissions machine vision and controls systems for custom automation equipment. This role focuses on developing advanced vision solutions, integrating them with PLCs, robotics, and motion control systems, and ensuring successful deployment in fast-paced manufacturing environments. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams and customers to deliver high-quality, reliable automation solutions that meet performance, budget, and schedule requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop machine vision solutions for custom automation applications in industrial and manufacturing environments.
• Program, test, and integrate vision systems with controls platforms, PLCs, robotics, motion control systems, and other automation equipment.
• Debug and commission automation systems both internally and at customer sites, ensuring reliable operation and performance.
• Select, evaluate, and specify vision hardware including cameras, lenses, filters, and lighting solutions appropriate for each application.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, designers, electricians, and customers to plan, execute, and deliver automation projects successfully.
• Ensure projects meet budget, quality, and delivery requirements, proactively addressing technical and schedule risks.
• Create, maintain, and update project documentation, including system designs, configuration details, test plans, and commissioning records.
• Train customers on system operation, programming concepts, and best practices for using and maintaining vision and controls systems.
• Provide technical support during installation, commissioning, and post-implementation phases, including troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and software issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within controls and automation engineering teams, contributing ideas to enhance standards, tools, and processes.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning vision systems, automated equipment, or custom machinery.
• Strong hands-on experience with machine vision systems, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and vision algorithms.
• Proficiency in electrical design and controls design for industrial automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC programming, PLC troubleshooting, and integrating PLCs with vision systems and other automation equipment.
• Experience integrating vision systems with robotics, motion control systems, sensors, and industrial equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and software systems in automation environments.
• Ability to travel frequently, including international travel, to support commissioning and customer engagements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional project teams.
• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with controls engineering tools and platforms, including AutoCAD Electrical for electrical and controls design.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Vision Professional (CVP) certification.
• Experience with robotics and robot integration in automated systems.
• Experience with motion control systems, including servo drives and controllers.
• Experience with laser systems, dispensing systems, and other industrial automation equipment.
• Background in industrial automation and automation systems for manufacturing.
• Experience commissioning automation systems at customer sites, including on-site troubleshooting and optimization.
• Ability to document complex systems clearly and train end users on programming concepts and system operation.
• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Work Environment

This role operates in a dynamic industrial automation and manufacturing environment, working with custom machinery, machine vision hardware, PLCs, robotics, motion control systems, laser and dispensing equipment, and related controls technologies. The position involves approximately 50% travel, including international travel, to customer facilities for system integration, commissioning, and training. Work is typically performed in a mix of office, engineering lab, and production floor settings, requiring regular interaction with project teams, electricians, and customer personnel