Job Title: Mechanical Vision EngineerJob 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, proto@type 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 proto@type 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 experience supporting semiconductor equipment, automated test systems, optical inspection systems, or machine vision platforms.
Interest in or familiarity with industrial cameras, optical components, and advanced lighting systems.
Experience supporting proto@type builds, including assembly, test, and iterative design refinement.
Participation in formal design reviews and experience preparing documentation and presentations for design approval and manufacturing release.
Experience working within a structured engineering documentation environment, including BOM management and ECO processes.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role in the San Diego area within a collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced machine vision and automated equipment development. The position involves close interaction with mechanical, optical, electrical, and automation engineers, as well as suppliers and manufacturing teams, to bring complex vision-enabled systems from concept to production. Work is performed using modern 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks and involves regular hands-on engagement with industrial cameras, optics, lighting, and automated machinery in a lab and production setting. Occasional domestic or international travel may be required to support equipment installations, supplier visits, or project reviews. Candidates work in a professional, technology-driven setting that emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement, and must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $105000.00/yr.
Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
