Engineer Technician - R&D and Automation

About the role

Smith is the leading independent electronic components distributor in the world, delivering comprehensive solutions across automotive, supercomputing, gaming, medical devices, oil and gas, and more. The Engineering Technician supports the R&D and Automation department in designing, developing, and globally deploying proprietary hardware and software solutions, bridging mechanical design, robotic integration, and advanced software engineering.

Responsibilities

• Software Engineering & Process Automation
  • Develop and deploy proprietary software (Python, Rust, JavaScript/TypeScript) to automate hardware and logistics workflows.
  • Write, test, and deploy critical code patches for corporate‑level software to minimize external licensing costs.
  • Identify manual bottlenecks and create utility scripts or automation frameworks to generate cost savings and increase operational speed.
  • Adhere to Smith Policy network security standards and maintain meticulous documentation of software modifications and component obsolescence.
• Computer Vision & AI Implementation
  • Support selection, mounting, and calibration of industrial cameras and specialized lighting for optimal image acquisition.
  • Develop basic OpenCV image‑processing scripts (filtering, thresholding, contour detection) for feature extraction in inspection systems.
  • Assist in deploying inference models on edge devices, including data labeling, dataset management, and accuracy testing for anomaly detection.
• Robotics, 3D Modeling & Hardware
  • Assist in physical installation, basic point‑to‑point teaching, and routine calibration of industrial arms and cobots.
  • Utilize 3D modeling software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to design custom mechanical components, brackets, and enclosures.
  • Manage 3D‑printing workflows and assemble prototype stations.
  • Install and upgrade complex components (CPUs, RAM, storage) in x86 and embedded systems across global sites.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Programming: Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML/CSS, and industrial languages such as ZPL.
• Vision & AI: Practical experience with OpenCV and a basic understanding of AI training vs. inference workflows.
• IT Infrastructure: Advanced administration of Windows, macOS, and Linux environments; foundational networking knowledge (Cisco, Ubiquiti).
• Mechanical & Optics: Proficiency in 3D CAD software and a solid grasp of industrial optics.
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to act as a proactive problem‑solver in high‑pressure, fast‑paced R&D environments.

Preferred & Bonus Skills

• AI experience with Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, local model deployment, or broader ML/AI development.
• Cloud & DevOps familiarity: AWS (EC2, S3, RDS) and CI/CD practices (Git).
• Certification: CompTIA A+ or specialized Python/Software Engineering certificates.

Employment Details

FSLA: Exempt

Position Type: Full‑Time / Regular