Mechanical Vision Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Vision Engineer Job Description
The Mechanical Vision Engineer designs and develops mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and automated equipment used in advanced machine vision and inspection systems. This role focuses on creating robust mechanical solutions from concept through prototype, testing, and implementation, using SolidWorks and modern engineering practices such as GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams to support new product development and product improvements, integrating cameras, optics, lighting, and other machine vision components into reliable mechanical systems while maintaining comprehensive engineering documentation.
Responsibilities
- Design mechanical parts, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and automated equipment for machine vision and inspection systems from concept through testing and implementation.
- Develop detailed concepts, 3D CAD models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) using SolidWorks.
- Apply GD&T principles, perform tolerance analysis, and execute design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) activities to ensure robust and producible designs.
- Create, maintain, and update engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, engineering change orders (ECOs), and design records.
- Support prototype and first-article builds by working hands-on with test fixtures, assemblies, and mechanical components in both CAD and lab environments.
- Participate in testing, validation, and troubleshooting of prototypes and production-intent designs to verify performance and resolve mechanical issues.
- Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, including sheet metal and machined components, to achieve reliable product performance under thermal, vibration, and motion-related conditions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support R&D initiatives, new product development, and product improvement projects for automated equipment and electromechanical systems.
- Support integration of cameras, lenses, optics, lighting, sensors, and other machine vision components into mechanical systems and fixtures.
- Contribute to design reviews, validation testing activities, and preparation for manufacturing release of new or updated mechanical designs.
- Provide mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving support for automated equipment, industrial machinery, medical device, defense, semiconductor, or similar technical products.
- Work closely with manufacturing, test, and other engineering groups to ensure smooth transition of designs from concept through prototype and into production.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- At least 2+ years of mechanical design engineering experience.
- Strong hands-on SolidWorks experience creating 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and associated documentation, with daily or regular CAD usage.
- Proven experience designing mechanical parts, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, or automated equipment from concept through testing and implementation.
- Experience supporting product development, R&D, fixture design, automated equipment, machinery, or electromechanical systems.
- Proficiency with GD&T, including creating, modifying, and interpreting engineering drawings, dimensioning, tolerancing, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
- Experience with DFM/DFA and guiding designs from initial concept through prototype, testing, and implementation.
- Ability to select materials and manufacturing processes appropriate for reliable mechanical performance.
- Hands-on experience building, assembling, testing, and validating prototypes or first-article designs.
- Comfort working both in CAD and in a lab or test environment.
- Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills applied to complex systems such as automated equipment, industrial machinery, medical device, defense, or semiconductor products.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Authorization to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Exposure to camera systems, optics, lighting, sensors, lenses, or machine vision integration is preferred but not required.
- Experience supporting machine vision systems or optical inspection equipment.
- Experience with automated test systems or semiconductor equipment.
- Background in thermal analysis and consideration of thermal, vibration, or motion-related mechanical design factors.
- Experience designing systems exposed to vibration, motion, or changing operating conditions.
- Experience with prototype builds, formal design reviews, validation testing, and manufacturing release processes.
- Experience designing sheet metal parts, machined components, tooling, and fixture assemblies.
- Experience working with automated equipment, industrial machinery, medical device, defense, semiconductor, or similar technical products.
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is a plus.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role in the San Diego area within a collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced machine vision and automated equipment development. The position involves close interaction with cross-functional teams and hands-on work with prototypes, test fixtures, and automated machinery in lab and shop settings. Occasional domestic or international travel may be required to support projects, testing, or equipment deployment. Local candidates are preferred to facilitate onsite collaboration and engagement with the engineering team.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $105000.00/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, Vision Benefits
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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 without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

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