Staff Vision Engineer

Bring more to life at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a global leader in clinical diagnostics and one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies. Our work saves lives through innovative diagnostic solutions used in hospitals, reference and research laboratories, and physician offices worldwide. Every hour, over one million tests are run on our systems, impacting 1.2 billion patients and three million clinicians annually.

About the role

The Staff Vision Engineer will develop machine vision technology for manufacturing equipment systems, enabling automated inspections of high-quality components used in medical devices. This role contributes to improving efficiency, accuracy, and reliability across Beckman’s global manufacturing sites. Based in Chaska, MN, this is an onsite position reporting to the Automation Engineering Manager as part of the Global Equipment Automation team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary machine vision strategic liaison for global manufacturing operations, developing a comprehensive roadmap aligned with business strategy, growth objectives, and operational needs.
• Design, configure, and develop image acquisition manufacturing equipment systems, including vision platform selection, camera selection, optics, lighting, and calibration techniques.
• Select and integrate components such as area/line scan cameras (GigE/USB/Camera Link), PC-based and smart cameras, telecentric/non-telecentric lenses, color filters, and various illumination methods (back/front lighting, low angle, coaxial, bright field).
• Implement advanced algorithms, including edge detection, morphological operations (erosion/dilation), sub-pixel accuracy measurement, camera calibration, and deep learning-based inspections.
• Lead design reviews with contractors, engineering consultants, and project teams, influencing vision-related decisions and providing project status updates.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a focus on machine vision and 9+ years of experience, or a master’s degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced expertise in designing and implementing automated vision inspection systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence), including hardware/software configuration (cameras, optics, lighting, image processing tools) and integration with automation platforms (PLCs, SCADA).
• Project Leadership: Proven ability to independently manage automation projects, including supplier coordination, design reviews, debugging, installation, and training.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to articulate complex technical concepts, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to hiring/onboarding.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactive mindset for process optimization, problem-solving, and staying current with advancements in vision inspection technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience deploying AI and deep learning algorithms into production.
• Familiarity with automation software platforms (Allen Bradley PLCs, robotics, motion control) and electrical drawing packages (AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of medical device regulatory requirements (IQ, OQ, PQ) and compliance standards for machine vision systems in the medical device industry.

Benefits

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.

Pay

The annual salary range for this role is $140,000–$155,000, with eligibility for bonus/incentive pay.