Senior Vision Systems Engineer (Clinton, PA)

We are constantly looking to add to our core talent. If you are seeking a career that is challenging and rewarding, a work environment that is diverse and dynamic, look no further — Haemonetics is your employer of choice.

Job Details

The Senior Automation Controls & Vision Engineer will play a critical role in designing, developing, integrating, and optimizing advanced automation and vision-based inspection systems across the Global Manufacturing Supply Chain. This position operates within the Automation Engineering department and collaborates closely with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and software engineering teams to ensure reliable deployment of vision-enabled automation for defect detection and high-quality manufacturing performance. The position will be located onsite in Clinton, PA. Preference will be provided to local candidates or candidates indicating they will be relocating within a commutable distance. Please note that this role while onsite in Clinton, PA will require some travel (approx. 25% Domestic or International).

Vision System Integration & Engineering:

• Lead integration of machine vision systems—leveraging technologies from Cognex, Keyence, Teledyne, SICK, Fanuc, KUKA, Dalsa, and other industry vendors—into automated manufacturing processes for defect detection and quality control.

• Configure and optimize machine vision setups, including lighting, positioning, vibration control, reflections, and lens selection, to maximize inspection reliability.

• Develop and refine image‑processing algorithms to identify, classify, and analyze manufacturing defects.

Automation Controls & PLC Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and deploy automation control solutions with a strong emphasis on Allen‑Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk, etc.).

• Develop HMI interfaces, safety interlocks, communication networks, and integrated control architectures supporting automation and vision‑inspection functions.

• Troubleshoot and improve electrical control systems, control panel hardware, and machine performance.

Robotics:

• Preferred: Program, integrate, and troubleshoot Epson and ABB robots for automated handling, inspection, and machine‑tending applications.

• Partner with manufacturing engineering teams to integrate robots with PLCs, vision systems, and custom tooling.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate automation and vision system performance to reduce defects, improve throughput, and increase equipment reliability.

• Support Industry 4.0 and IoT initiatives to enable connected, data‑driven manufacturing systems.

Vendor & Cross‑Functional Collaboration:

• Manage relationships with vision system vendors and automation equipment suppliers, including evaluating new technologies and supporting hardware/software upgrades.

• Collaborate with R&D, quality, software engineering, and manufacturing teams to align technical solutions with production requirements.

Documentation & Standards

• Create and maintain technical documentation such as equipment specifications, test protocols, system requirements, procedures, drawings, and SOPs.

• Support development of engineering standards for custom automated manufacturing equipment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Required (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field); Master’s Degree preferred.

• 5+ years in automation controls or vision system engineering, including vision‑based defect detection and integration of major vision platforms.

• Strong proficiency in Allen‑Bradley PLC programming.

• Hands‑on experience with vision system setup (lighting, vibration, positioning, lensing, reflection reduction, etc.).

• Programming experience in C++ or Python for automation or vision applications.

• Proven ability to lead automation or vision system projects from concept through deployment.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Experience with Epson and/or ABB robot programming.

• Medical device manufacturing experience.

• Experience with automated vision inspection and scanning hardware/software.

• Knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, and relevant safety regulations.

• Strong skills in root‑cause analysis and technical/validation document writing.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent automation projects.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 25% travel, including international travel.