Vision Systems Engineer

Tristar AI; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Competitive pay

Free snacks

Sponsored events

Office in Cambridge

Job summary

Tristar AI, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is hiring a Hardware Integration Engineer to lead camera and imaging integrations across our software and hardware stack. You will select optics, tune lighting, and embed cameras into production pipelines used by leading manufacturers.

You will work across hardware and backend services, owning end-to-end imaging features, and report to the Head of Engineering in a fast-growing startup that values ownership and practical problem solving at the factory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of hands-on experience integrating industrial cameras in a manufacturing or automation environment
• 3+ years of Python programming experience
• Experience with PLC programming and integrations
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (GigE Vision, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA)
• Proficiency with Basler cameras and the Pylon SDK/Pylon API is a strong plus
• Experience with SCADA platforms is a strong plus

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain camera SDK integrations (e.g., Basler Pylon) within software pipelines
• Evaluate and select appropriate optics, lenses, and lighting setups
• Troubleshoot image acquisition issues including latency, frame drops, and synchronization errors
• Configure and optimize camera parameters for various applications
• Design, program, and maintain PLC integrations connecting our platform to customer equipment
• Configure and maintain SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and control of production processes
• Partner with the software team on future hardware integrations and contribute to backend services that support image capture and device management

Skills

Python programming

Industrial cameras integration

PLC programming

SCADA familiarity

Camera optics selection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Computer Engineering

Tools

Basler Pylon SDK

Basler cameras

GigE Vision

EtherNet/IP

Modbus

OPC UA

Job description

At Tristar AI, we are transforming manufacturing by bringing cutting-edge computer vision tools to the factory floor. Our focus is on empowering frontline operators and managers whether the customer is a family-run plastics factory or a global automotive titan.

Born out of research at MIT and Harvard, we are headquartered in Cambridge, MA, serving customers across North America. Founded in 2021, we are backed by world-class investors and partners, including some of the earliest investors in Cruise, Ring, Dropbox, and more.

This is an incredible opportunity to join at the ground level of a rapidly growing startup. As our Hardware Integration Engineer, you'll own the camera and imaging side of our product, from selecting optics and lighting to integrating cameras into the software pipelines that leading manufacturers rely on every day. You'll have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment and shape the future of the company and its technology. You will report to Tristar AI's Head of Engineering.

This is a hybrid role based out of our Kendall Square office in Cambridge, MA.

About You:

• You love a good challenge and learning new things.
• You're able to own a core part of the product and juggle the different requirements that come along with it.
• You are comfortable moving around a technology stack to understand how different features work and contribute to different parts of the platform, from hardware on the factory floor to the backend services that support it.
• You have a bias for action and take ownership of your work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain camera SDK integrations (e.g., Basler Pylon) within software pipelines
• Evaluate and select appropriate optics, lenses, and lighting setups
• Troubleshoot image acquisition issues including latency, frame drops, and synchronization errors
• Configure and optimize camera parameters (exposure, gain, triggering, lighting sync) for various applications
• Design, program, and maintain PLC integrations connecting our platform to customer equipment
• Configure and maintain SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and control of production processes
• Partner with the software team on future hardware integrations and contribute to backend services that support image capture and device management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
• 3+ years of hands-on experience integrating industrial cameras in a manufacturing or automation environment
• 3+ years of Python programming experience
• experience with PLC programming and integrations
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (e.g., GigE Vision, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA)
• Proficiency with Basler cameras (area scan and line scan) and the Pylon SDK / Pylon API is a strong plus
• Experience with SCADA platforms is a strong plus

Working at Tristar AI

We're building a strong diverse team that values hard work and personal well-being. Benefits of working with us include:

• Direct impact on product and culture.
• Company equity
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Free coffee, juice, and snacks at our CIC office in Cambridge.
• Sponsored company events and happy hours.