Vision and Controls Engineer

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RFT Technical Atkins & Pearce, Covington, KY, US

The Vision and Controls Engineer is responsible for programming, developing, integrating, and supporting the machine vision inspection systems and PLC based controls used across the plant. This role owns automated inspection applications for defect detection, dimensional verification, and process monitoring, and ensures those systems communicate reliably with production equipment. The Engineer takes vision and controls projects from concept through installation, commissioning, validation, and ongoing production support, working closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to improve product quality, equipment reliability, and production performance.

Machine Vision and Inspection Systems

• Program, develop, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial machine vision and dimensional inspection systems (ZEISS, Keyence, Cognex, FARO, or similar).
• Develop and fine tune automated inspection applications for defect detection, dimensional verification, surface inspection, pattern recognition, and process monitoring.
• Select and configure cameras, sensors, lenses, lighting, inspection parameters, tolerances, and pass/fail criteria.
• Validate inspection performance and adjust applications to reduce false rejects and missed defects.

PLC and Controls Programming

• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLC based automation systems using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Support Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation (including Control Logix), Omron, Automation Direct, Mitsubishi, and similar PLC platforms.
• Configure and support HMIs, AC/DC drives, servo motors, sensors, and industrial safety systems.

Vision and PLC Integration

• Integrate vision systems with PLC controlled equipment, including inspection triggering, result transfer, and pass/fail communication.
• Program reject systems, alarms, and equipment stops based on inspection results.
• Collect and report production and quality data from inspection and controls systems.
• Integrate equipment over industrial networks and protocols such as Ether Net/IP, TCP/IP, fieldbus, PLC networks, and SCADA.

Projects, Installation and Commissioning

• Own vision and controls projects from concept and development through installation, commissioning, validation, and production support.
• Develop and modify electrical schematics, machine components, and CAD models as needed.
• Provide training to operators and maintenance personnel on new and existing systems.

Troubleshooting and Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose issues across PLC logic, vision systems, electrical controls, mechanical systems, sensors, communications, and production processes.
• Determine root cause and implement lasting corrective actions.
• Identify and implement improvements in defect reduction, equipment reliability, and new technologies that improve quality and production performance.

Support

• Communicate technical concepts, project requirements, troubleshooting findings, and proposed solutions to Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations.
• Assist other production areas as needed.
• Participate in meetings with the Maintenance and Engineering Manager to discuss planning, needs, and project status.
• Promote and follow all safety procedures, plans, and programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent hands on industrial vision and controls experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Strong…