Application Engineer – Machine Vision & Automation

Company:
Tensor , Inc.

Location:
Oceanside, CA / Field-Based / Customer Sites

Employment Type:
Full-Time

Tensor  a fast-growing machine vision, automation, and industrial inspection company specializing in advanced vision systems for manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and quality control environments. We design and support custom inspection systems using cameras, lighting, PLCs, encoders, barcode readers, OCR, AI, deep learning, and automation controls.

Our systems help customers inspect labels, barcodes, print quality, cosmetic defects, product presence, package damage, OCR/OCV, traceability data, and complex production‑line issues in real time. We work with major manufacturers, food and beverage companies, medical device companies, logistics operations, and OEM partners.

We are looking for a driven Application Engineer who can support customer projects from concept through installation, testing, training, and long‑term support.

The Application Engineer will work directly with customers, sales, engineering, and internal project teams to help design, test, configure, install, and support machine vision and automation systems. This role requires a hands‑on technical person who enjoys solving problems, working with customers, and learning new technologies.

This is not a desk‑only role. The right person must be comfortable working in production environments, troubleshooting live equipment, communicating clearly with customers, and helping bring systems online under real‑world conditions.

• Support machine vision and automation projects from initial application review through final installation and customer acceptance.
• Assist with camera, lens, lighting, barcode reader, encoder, PLC, and industrial PC configuration.
• Test and validate inspection applications using vision software, AI tools, OCR, barcode grading, measurement tools, and defect detection methods.
• Work with customers to understand inspection requirements, pass/fail criteria, production challenges, and system expectations.
• Help prepare demonstrations, sample evaluations, feasibility testing, and application reports.
• Support installation, startup, troubleshooting, SAT, training, and post‑installation service.
• Work with PLCs, I/O, sensors, encoders, reject devices, line triggers, and production‑line timing.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, networking, software, and communication issues.
• Document project settings, wiring notes, inspection criteria, customer requirements, and support findings.
• Communicate clearly with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Support sales and engineering by identifying technical risks, system requirements, and recommended solutions.
• Travel to customer sites as needed for installations, service, training, and project support.

The ideal candidate is technical, hands‑on, organized, and customer‑focused. You do not need to know everything on day one, but you must be willing to learn quickly, take ownership, and work through problems until they are solved.

You should be comfortable around industrial equipment, production lines, electrical panels, computers, cameras, sensors, and automation systems. You should also be able to explain technical information clearly to both engineers and non‑technical customers.

• Experience in machine vision, automation, controls, electrical systems, industrial equipment, manufacturing support, or related technical fields.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose problems logically.
• Comfortable working with Windows PCs, industrial software, networking, IP addresses, Ethernet devices, and basic computer configuration.
• Ability to read and understand basic electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, I/O layouts, and system documentation.
• Strong communication skills with customers and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a project team.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed.
• Professional attitude, strong work ethic, and attention to detail.

Experience with any of the following is a strong plus:

• Machine vision systems
• Industrial cameras, lenses, and…