Machine Vision Application Engineer Jobs in El Cajon, CA

Job Title: Software Vision Engineer

Job Description

The Software Vision Engineer designs, develops, tests, and deploys machine vision software used for inspection, alignment, measurement, identification, and defect detection in automated manufacturing environments. This role focuses on creating and optimizing image processing and machine vision algorithms in C++ using industry-standard vision libraries such as OpenCV, while integrating and validating cameras, lenses, lighting, lasers, and other vision hardware within complex automated equipment platforms. The engineer provides technical leadership on vision-focused projects, supports deployed systems through troubleshooting and continuous improvement, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver robust, production-ready vision solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy machine vision software for inspection, alignment, measurement, identification, and defect detection applications in automated manufacturing environments.
• Develop, implement, and optimize image processing and machine vision algorithms using C++ and industry-standard vision libraries such as OpenCV to solve real-world manufacturing challenges.
• Integrate and validate industrial cameras, lenses, lighting systems, lasers, calibration tools, and other vision hardware within automated equipment platforms.
• Configure, calibrate, and fine-tune cameras, optics, lighting, and vision systems to achieve reliable and repeatable performance on production equipment.
• Troubleshoot and support deployed vision systems in manufacturing environments, including performing root cause analysis and driving continuous improvement efforts.
• Own technical delivery for vision-focused projects, taking responsibility for requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, and deployment of complete software applications.
• Collaborate closely with software, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of vision solutions into automation and inspection equipment.
• Provide technical leadership by mentoring junior engineers, sharing best practices, and guiding the team in machine vision and image processing techniques.
• Support manufacturing, automation, robotics, and inspection equipment by diagnosing vision-related issues and implementing corrective actions and enhancements.
• Contribute to both new product development and production support efforts, helping to develop next-generation automation platforms and maintain existing systems.
• Utilize version control tools such as Git to manage source code, maintain software quality, and support collaborative development workflows.
• Participate in design reviews, system validation, and documentation to ensure that vision systems meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 5+ years of experience in machine vision or image processing, including developing and deploying vision solutions for inspection, alignment, defect detection, measurement, and automated manufacturing applications.
• Minimum 5+ years of strong C++ software development experience, including building and deploying complete C++ applications used in production environments.
• Hands-on experience with OpenCV or similar machine vision and image processing libraries, applying algorithms to solve manufacturing and automation challenges.
• Proven experience integrating cameras, lenses, lighting, calibration tools, and other vision hardware into automated equipment and production systems.
• Solid understanding of image processing techniques such as edge detection, segmentation, pattern matching, object detection, and alignment algorithms.
• Experience writing, testing, and deploying complete software applications for manufacturing, automation, robotics, or inspection equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical ownership and leadership, independently lead projects, and collaborate effectively across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Experience supporting manufacturing environments and production equipment, including troubleshooting and resolving vision-related issues.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team (preferred but strongly valued).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off, paid holidays, and paid sick leave

This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.