Automated Inspection Engineer

3M•Maplewood, MN

4d•$98,964 - $120,957•Onsite

About The Position

The Automated Inspection and Measurement group develops, integrates, deploys, and supports advanced vision, inspection, measurement, and automation systems across 3M manufacturing operations. The group applies machine vision and automated inspection technologies to factory automation, roll-good defect detection, surface inspection, and measurement applications that improve productivity, yield, quality, and plant performance. Through fundamental technology development, application engineering, system integration, and long-term support, the team enables digital manufacturing capabilities across multiple 3M divisions and serves as a corporate leader in practical, scalable deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies. As an Automated Inspection Engineer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by: Lead the application engineering, integration, deployment, and support of automated inspection and machine vision systems that enable automation across 3M manufacturing operations. Partner with internal 3M customers to identify, clarify, prioritize, and translate manufacturing requirements into robust technical solutions. Design, develop, test, and deploy custom inspection and measurement systems with emphasis on opto-mechanical design, imaging methods, lighting, optics, cameras, sensors, automation interfaces, and machine vision software. Support strategic planning for machine vision technology development to align with future automation, digital manufacturing, and operational excellence needs across 3M. Collaborate within cross-functional teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges, improve productivity, increase yield, reduce defects, and enhance plant operations. Evaluate emerging machine vision, automated inspection, and measurement technologies and determine their applicability to 3M manufacturing processes. Provide technical leadership and guidance during system specification, vendor selection, equipment build, installation, qualification, startup, and production handoff. Create and maintain technical documentation, including system requirements, design documentation, test plans, qualification results, troubleshooting guides, and support procedures. Provide ongoing Tier 2 support for installed machine vision and inspection systems, including troubleshooting, performance optimization, and occasional on-call support as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline (completed and verified prior to start)
Two (2) years of professional experience developing, integrating, and deploying machine vision systems for manufacturing automation applications.
Hands-on experience with commercial machine vision platforms, including Cognex, Zebra, or similar industrial vision systems.
Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: image processing, signal processing, optics, lighting, camera selection, opto-mechanical design, software development, electronics, or industrial networking.
Experience defining technical requirements, developing project plans, managing priorities, and contributing to technology roadmaps or strategic planning.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong interpersonal, networking, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across teams.
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, STEM OPT extensions, or other employment-based visa sponsorship)

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical expertise equivalent to a master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Lead the application engineering, integration, deployment, and support of automated inspection and machine vision systems that enable automation across 3M manufacturing operations.
Partner with internal 3M customers to identify, clarify, prioritize, and translate manufacturing requirements into robust technical solutions.
Design, develop, test, and deploy custom inspection and measurement systems with emphasis on opto-mechanical design, imaging methods, lighting, optics, cameras, sensors, automation interfaces, and machine vision software.
Support strategic planning for machine vision technology development to align with future automation, digital manufacturing, and operational excellence needs across 3M.
Collaborate within cross-functional teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges, improve productivity, increase yield, reduce defects, and enhance plant operations.
Evaluate emerging machine vision, automated inspection, and measurement technologies and determine their applicability to 3M manufacturing processes.
Provide technical leadership and guidance during system specification, vendor selection, equipment build, installation, qualification, startup, and production handoff.
Create and maintain technical documentation, including system requirements, design documentation, test plans, qualification results, troubleshooting guides, and support procedures.
Provide ongoing Tier 2 support for installed machine vision and inspection systems, including troubleshooting, performance optimization, and occasional on-call support as required.
Corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.