Machine Vision System Programmer

Give Machines the Power to See. 

At Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC), we design, engineer, and build custom automation systems that solve complex manufacturing challenges for customers across medical, consumer products, industrial, automotive, and other industries. 

No two projects are the same. Our engineers work on high-performance custom equipment from concept through startup, solving new technical challenges every day instead of maintaining the same production line. If you enjoy building machines from the ground up, collaborating with a talented team, and seeing your work come to life on the customer's floor, we'd love to talk with you. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Own the vision system portion of multiple automation projects from concept through customer acceptance. 
• Design, develop, and implement industrial machine vision solutions for automated inspection, measurement, alignment, and part verification. 
• Program and configure Keyence (IV, XG, CV, VS, LumiTrax, etc.) and Cognex (In-Sight, VisionPro, Designer) vision systems using standardized, scalable programming practices. 
• Develop robust lighting, lensing, and image acquisition strategies for varying part types and environments. 
• Integrate vision systems with PLCs, robots, motion controllers, and HMIs, developing communication interfaces using Ethernet/IP, Profinet, TCP/IP, serial, and vendor-specific protocols. 
• Support robotic guidance applications, including calibration, coordinate transformation, and high-precision alignment. 
• Lead vision system debug during machine assembly, runoff, FAT/SAT, installation, and startup, diagnosing image reliability issues caused by lighting, reflectivity, vibration, or mechanical variation. 
• Collaborate daily with Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Service to deliver successful projects. 
• Document system settings, vision logic, best practices, and work instructions to support successful project delivery. 
• Travel approximately 10% to support customer startups and project implementation. 

What Success Looks Like 

• Successful Machine Vision System Programmers at SDC: 
• Deliver accurate, reliable vision solutions that perform as designed. 
• Complete projects on schedule while maintaining high engineering quality. 
• Build strong working relationships with customers and teammates. 
• Continuously improve vision programming standards, documentation, and reusable code libraries. 
• Help make every machine see better than the last. 

What We Expect From Everyone at SDC 

• Every role at SDC is built on a shared set of expectations that define how we work together. 
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in everything you do. 
• Treat coworkers, customers, suppliers, and partners with respect. 
• Communicate openly and collaboratively across all departments. 
• Take ownership by identifying issues early, proposing solutions, and following through. 
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive, team-first attitude. 
• Produce high-quality, detail-oriented work that supports safety, quality, and continuous improvement. 
• Be dependable, willing to learn, and ready to support teammates whenever needed. 
• Contribute to a workplace built on trust, teamwork, and shared success. 

  What Makes Someone Successful in This Role 

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation, with a strong focus on machine vision systems. 
• Proven expertise programming and configuring Keyence (IV, XG, CV, VS, LumiTrax, etc.) and Cognex (In-Sight, VisionPro, Designer) vision platforms. 
• Strong foundation in vision lighting, lensing, cameras, optics, and image acquisition fundamentals. 
• Strong vision algorithm development skills, with the ability to solve complex inspection, measurement, high speed applications, and alignment challenges that go beyond standard, out-of-the-box tool configurations. 
• Experience integrating vision systems into PLC-driven automation, working closely with controls engineers to define system requirements. 
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Technology, or related discipline, or equivalent hands-on industry experience. 

This position is best suited for programmers who have hands-on experience developing and deploying vision solutions across a variety of applications, platforms, and industries. While maintenance experience is valuable, this role focuses on advancing vision development for new automation equipment. 

Nice to Have 

• PLC and HMI programming familiarity, Allen-Bradley platforms preferred. 
• Robotic programming experience with FANUC, Epson, or similar platforms. 
• Motion control and servo application experience. 
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or related design tools. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

Why Join Steven Douglas Corp.? 

• Work on challenging, custom automation projects—not repetitive production support. 
• Collaborate with an experienced team of engineers, machinists, electricians, assemblers, and project managers. 
• See your designs come to life from concept through customer startup. 
• Help shape engineering standards and influence how future machines are built. 
• Grow your technical skills while working with robotics, vision systems, servo motion, AI-enabled inspection, and advanced automation technologies. 
• Join a stable, family-owned company committed to long-term growth, innovation, and investing in its people. 

Benefits 

• Competitive salary based on experience. 
• Performance-based incentive opportunities. 
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with supplemental coverage options. 
• Company-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA). 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match per pay period. 
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 company-paid holidays. 
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth. 

Steven Douglas Corp is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace.