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Freelance Machine Vision Engineer Jobs in Murphys, CA

Machinist

Sonora, CA · On-site

$38.69/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with engineers and assist millwrights as needed * Determine and utilize proper speeds ... and vision) with low-cost premiums, a 401(k) with Company Match, additional Retirement ...

CLASSIFICATIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED Deputy Surveyor, Senior Engineering Technician, Engineering ... vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of audio-visual equipment; use of office ...

County Surveyor

Jackson, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Surveying & Engineering Opening Date: 09/18/2025 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Exempt Definition ... Vision - VSP Basic with option to upgrade * Flexible Spending Accounts - FSA * Employee Assistance ...

Electrician

Sonora, CA · On-site

$42.29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain all components required to control machinery, including switches, sensors, programmable ... Troubleshoot and install encoders, linear transducers, vision systems, and other advanced sensors

Instructor

Tuolumne, CA · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Develop and maintain library programming to support achievement of educational goals for students ... Uphold Tribal Vision Statement: The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is a Sovereign Nation that is ...

Instructor

Tuolumne, CA · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Develop and maintain library programming to support achievement of educational goals for students ... Uphold Tribal Vision Statement: The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is a Sovereign Nation that is ...

Freelance Machine Vision Engineer information

See Murphys, CA salary details

$32.5K

$133K

$199.8K

How much do freelance machine vision engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance machine vision engineer in Murphys, CA is $132,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,800.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance machine vision engineer?

A Freelance Machine Vision Engineer is a specialist who designs, develops, and implements computer vision systems on a project or contract basis. These professionals work independently with various clients to create solutions that enable machines to interpret and process visual information, such as images and videos, for tasks like quality inspection, object detection, or automation. Their work often involves programming, selecting appropriate hardware, and integrating vision systems into larger processes or machines. Freelancers in this field may serve industries like manufacturing, robotics, agriculture, or healthcare, depending on project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance machine vision engineer?

To excel as a Freelance Machine Vision Engineer, you need a solid background in computer vision, image processing, and programming, typically supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like OpenCV, MATLAB, TensorFlow, and industrial camera systems, as well as relevant certifications, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for delivering innovative, client-focused solutions and adapting to diverse project requirements in a rapidly evolving industry.

How do freelance machine vision engineers typically manage client expectations and project timelines?

Freelance machine vision engineers often balance multiple projects and clients, making clear communication essential for managing expectations and deadlines. They usually begin by setting detailed project scopes, deliverables, and realistic timeframes in consultation with clients. Regular progress updates, milestone check-ins, and transparent reporting help prevent misunderstandings and ensure alignment throughout the development process. By proactively addressing potential challenges and being adaptable to changes, freelancers can maintain client satisfaction and build long-term relationships.

What is the difference between Freelance Machine Vision Engineer vs Machine Vision Engineer?

AspectFreelance Machine Vision EngineerMachine Vision Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or computer science; certifications are optionalUsually holds a degree in related fields; certifications can enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or on-site at client locationsEmployed full-time at companies, labs, or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageServes multiple clients across industries like manufacturing, robotics, and automationWorks within a single organization, focusing on internal projects

Freelance Machine Vision Engineers typically work independently on diverse projects, offering flexibility and a broad industry reach. In contrast, Machine Vision Engineers are usually employed full-time within organizations, focusing on specific company goals. Both roles require technical expertise, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What cities near Murphys, CA are hiring for Freelance Machine Vision Engineer jobs?

Cities near Murphys, CA with the most Freelance Machine Vision Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Machine Vision Engineer job openings in Murphys, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,959 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

$38.69/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Sierra Pacific Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Machinists earn $38.69 per hour
We train and promote from within
Excellent low-cost health benefits
Retirement plan with employer-paid contributions
Paid vacation and 10 holidays

At Sierra Pacific Industries , we understand our greatest strength is the people who choose to build a career with us. We are a fourth-generation family-owned company that has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the United States. Our more than 6,000 employees are proud to work at our state-of-the-art sawmills and other facilities, including: manufacturing, custom wood-framed windows, fabrication, millwork, veneer, cogeneration, trucking, forestry, and other operations.
Currently, we are seeking a qualified Machinist for our our sawmill in Sonora, California .
About the Position
  • Responsible for running and operating CNC mills and Lathes
  • Analyze manufacturing drawings to develop parts using multiple axis machining operations
  • Create and set up tooling and fixtures
  • Work closely with engineers and assist millwrights as needed
  • Determine and utilize proper speeds and feeds to reference point location
  • Maintain quality and manufacturing standards while adhering to the guidelines of a safe work environment

Qualifications
  • 2 years' recent, verifiable machinist experience or educational equivalent
  • Programming software experience a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to manually setup and operate Engine Lathes, horizontal and vertical mills and drill presses to produce precision parts
  • Ability to read blueprints and shop drawings to produce parts
  • Familiar with speeds and feeds
  • Demonstrated ability to consistently hit tight tolerances (+/- .001) or better when needed
  • Understanding of bearing fits
  • Familiar with machining steel (A36, 1045, 4140), aluminum, and plastics

Why Join Our Team?
Because this is more than an invitation, it's a commitment to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth to everyone! We ask people to grow with us and make the company even better.
We provide an excellent benefit package including a full Health Benefits Plan (including medical, dental, and vision) with low-cost premiums, a 401(k) with Company Match, additional Retirement Contributions , and company-paid Life Insurance.
How to Apply
If you are qualified and would like to join our team,
please apply in person Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 3pm .
Sierra Pacific Industries
14980 Camage Avenue
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 536-2211
Interested in SPI, but not this opportunity?
View all opportunities at: spi.careers
Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.
About Our Company
Sierra Pacific Industries is a fourth-generation family-owned company based in Northern California that started in 1949 and has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the U.S., employing around 6,500 crew members. Sierra Pacific continues to be a company where its employees are proud to work at state-of-the-art facilities and others strive to become part of the team.
We own and sustainably manage more than 2.4 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon, and Washington. Our forests are sustainably managed under a 100-year plan by Registered Professional Foresters, Wildlife Biologists, Botanists, and other professionals. We are growing forests for our future, planting over 6 million new trees every year. In Spring 2024, we planted our 300 millionth seedling on our timberlands. This milestone was decades in the making, reflecting our commitment to sustainable forest management and ensuring we have forests not just for today, but for generations to come.
Sierra Pacific effectively uses nearly 100% of every piece of wood we bring to our facilities. In fact, any small amount that isn't turned into hand-crafted doors and windows, millwork, lumber, or landscaping material is actually converted into electricity in our eight biomass-fueled power plants.
We are proud that all Sierra Pacific facilities follow our drug-free and tobacco-free policies. As part of our safety in the workplace policy, an offer of employment is subject to a negative drug screen result. We use E-verify to verify the social security number and work authorization of all newly hired employees. Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.

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