Manufacturing Computer Vision Engineer

Company Information and Introduction:Digital Manufacturing Ireland is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland and has been established to help manufacturers accelerate their adoption of digital technologies.DMI offers a state-of-the-art physical and digital factory, a vendor showcase, industry collaboration spaces, and training facilities. The DMI facility brings together technology, expertise, and business support to help manufacturing companies transform, innovate, and future-proof their operations.Role Overview:As a Computer Vision Engineer, Manufacturing and AI, you will develop and deploy computer vision, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for real-world manufacturing applications.The role focuses on computer vision and AI, combining image processing, neural networks, deep learning and video analytics with an understanding of industrial imaging and manufacturing systems.You will work on applications including classification, defect detection, object detection, segmentation, anomaly detection, measurement and process monitoring, taking solutions from concept and data collection through proof-of-concept, development, testing and deployment.A key part of the role is working directly with clients and manufacturing teams to understand challenges, demonstrate technologies, develop solutions and communicate technical concepts clearly. The ability to deliver technical demonstrations, workshops and training is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Scope, develop and deliver computer vision and AI projects addressing real manufacturing challenges.Work directly with clients and manufacturing teams to understand processes, quality requirements and data challenges.Develop rapid proof-of-concepts and demonstrations using image and video data.Develop, train, evaluate and optimise computer vision and deep-learning models.Apply neural networks and AI techniques to classification, defect detection, object detection, segmentation and anomaly detection.Build and manage datasets, including image collection, labelling, preparation and augmentation.Apply traditional image processing and computer vision techniques where appropriate.Select the most appropriate combination of traditional vision, AI and machine learning for each application.Work with cameras, optics, lenses, lighting and image acquisition hardware to optimise system performance.Evaluate and integrate specialist imaging technologies including 3D, line-scan, hyperspectral and SWIR.Deploy computer vision and AI solutions on industrial PCs, edge devices and manufacturing hardware.Integrate vision solutions with automation, robotics, PLCs and manufacturing systems.Deliver technical demonstrations, workshops and training to clients, engineers and technicians.Develop technical documentation, test strategies and project reports.Communicate project progress, technical findings and recommendations clearly to clients and internal teams.Evaluate emerging computer vision, AI and digital manufacturing technologies.Core Technical Skills:Computer Vision and AI:Strong understanding of computer vision and image processing fundamentals.Practical experience with Python and OpenCV or equivalent.Good understanding of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and deep-learning principles.Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras or similar AI frameworks.Experience with classification, object detection and defect detection.Understanding of segmentation, anomaly detection, feature extraction and video analytics.Understanding of model training, validation, evaluation and optimisation.Familiarity with architectures such as ResNet, MobileNet, YOLO and U-Net.Understanding of transfer learning, dataset preparation and image augmentation.Imaging, Optics and Lighting:Understanding of industrial cameras and image acquisition.Knowledge of lens selection, field of view, working distance, resolution and depth of field.Understanding of exposure, gain, focus and frame rate.Good understanding of industrial lighting and illumination, including reflections, contrast and surface characteristics.Experience with monochrome and colour imaging.Experience with 3D, line-scan, hyperspectral, SWIR or other specialist imaging technologies would be advantageous.Specialist Platforms and Hardware:Experience with platforms such as MVTec HALCON, Cognex VisionPro/In-Sight, Keyence, SICK, Omron, Zebra, Matrox, Basler, IDS, Lucid or similar would be advantageous.Experience with industrial cameras, frame grabbers, edge computing and AI hardware, including NVIDIA Jetson or similar platforms, would also be beneficial.Manufacturing and Integration:Experience within a manufacturing, automation or industrial environment.Understanding of manufacturing processes, quality inspection and production requirements.Ability to translate manufacturing problems into practical computer vision and AI solutions.Understanding of industrial communication protocols.Experience integrating systems with PLCs, robots, SCADA, MES or other manufacturing technologies.Experience deploying computer vision or AI solutions into production environments is highly desirable.Experience and Qualifications:Degree/Masters in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Electronic Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Data Science or a related technical discipline.Demonstrable experience in computer vision, AI, machine learning or image processing.Ideally, practical experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.Proven ability to work directly with clients and multidisciplinary engineering teams.Strong presentation, communication and interpersonal skills.Experience delivering technical training, demonstrations or workshops is highly desirable.Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical documentation skills.Full driving licence and own transport, with the ability to travel to client sites as required.Equivalent industry experience and demonstrable technical capability will also be considered.What You Can Look Forward To:Developing advanced computer vision and AI solutions for real manufacturing applications.Working hands-on with cameras, optics, lighting, imaging hardware, AI platforms and industrial equipment.Working directly with manufacturing companies and technology partners.Delivering demonstrations, workshops and training as part of technology adoption projects.Working alongside specialists in machine vision, automation, robotics, OT and digital manufacturing.Evaluating emerging computer vision and AI technologies and taking solutions from concept through to industrial deployment.