Freelance Machine Vision Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Vision Engineer

Date: May 12, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 73507

**The company built on breakthroughs. ​ **

**Join us.​ **

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​ 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​ 

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​  

​Come break through with us. 

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a Machine Vision Engineer to support the development, design, and debugging of machine vision hardware and software used in advanced automation and inspection systems. This role blends vendor-specific vision platforms with custom PC-based software and requires close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams. The successful candidate will also provide technical guidance in areas such as optics selection and rapid prototyping while serving as a technical contributor throughout the full system lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team leaders to identify, define, and document machine vision requirements.

• Generate, evaluate, and select machine vision concepts in partnership with the automation team.

• Apply rapid prototyping, engineering analysis, and fundamental principles to select appropriate vision techniques, algorithms, and hardware.

• Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate machine vision hardware into automation designs.

• Develop and maintain software for machine vision applications.

• Debug, test, and lead resolution of machine vision design or manufacturing issues.

• Present project results through internal reports and technical presentations to peers, managers, and customers.

• Act as a safety advocate and role model, ensuring all work is performed in a safe manner and environment.

• Document inventions and novel design concepts in accordance with company standards.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a related field.

Experience:

2+ years of combined engineering, manufacturing experience or Military experience in a technical role.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Understanding of the full engineering design lifecycle, from requirements through deployment.

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to gather, align on, and present technical requirements and solutions.

• Knowledge of machine vision system integration within automated machinery.

• Experience selecting machine vision components including optics, cameras, lighting, and interfaces.

• Familiarity with at least one rapid prototyping platform for machine vision hardware and algorithms.

• Strong object-oriented programming skills in at least one C-based language.

• Experience with at least one PC-based machine vision library.

• Strong mathematical foundation, including linear algebra, signal processing, and modeling.

• Solid understanding of software engineering principles.

• Excellent technical documentation skills, including written content and diagrams.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desired Skills

• Experience with Cognex or Keyence vision systems.

• Programming experience in C# and/or C++.

• HALCON vision programming.

• MATLAB and/or Python.

• Optical modeling experience.

• UML design methods.

• OpenCV.

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to vision systems.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $88,522.00 - $121,718.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

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**A job that shapes a life. **

**Corning offers you the total package. **

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.

• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.

• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.

• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.

• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory