Computer Vision and Automation Specialist

Kubota•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

We are seeking a driven and innovative Computer Vision and Automation Specialist to join a fast-paced manufacturing team. The role focuses on using automation, computer vision, and data-driven solutions to address manufacturing challenges and improve safety, quality, and operational efficiency. As a partner to Engineering and Production, the specialist designs, develops, and continuously improves automated manufacturing processes, with emphasis on computer vision, Python-based solutions, and Manufacturing Digital Transformation (DX). Foundational PLC controls knowledge supports integration of vision and automation technologies with manufacturing equipment and processes. The specialist develops and deploys production computer vision inspection systems and machine vision pipelines; manages the model lifecycle from data collection through validation and optimization; and builds OCR and defect-detection solutions for multi-camera, production-speed inspection. The role also integrates vision systems with plant automation, develops error-proofing solutions, supports equipment integration, and maintains deployed applications, monitoring systems, dashboards, and user interfaces. The position uses operational and model-performance metrics to improve inspection effectiveness, establishes deployment and maintenance practices, and evaluates emerging technologies. It also provides technical support and documentation for vision initiatives, collaborates across engineering and operations, and contributes to quality, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. A bachelor’s degree in a related technical field is listed, but equivalent education and demonstrated experience may be considered, including job-related experience, military service, professional certifications, and demonstrated skills. The employee must communicate effectively in English and meet the described physical demands, with reasonable accommodations available as stated.

Requirements

Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
Proficiency in Python programming.
Experience developing software, automation, computer vision, robotics, machine-learning solutions, or other related STEM activities.
Knowledge of computer vision and image-processing concepts.
Strong communication, collaboration, and project-execution skills.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical field; equivalent education and demonstrated experience may be considered.
Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to work in extreme hot or cold conditions and stand for the duration of the shift.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; ascend stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear.
Ability to occasionally lift an unspecified amount; the posting gives an incomplete example (“20”, “50”, etc.) lbs.
Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in automation or advanced manufacturing.
Strong experience with computer vision, AI-based vision solutions, and image-processing applications.
Proficiency in Python for automation, data analysis, vision-system development, and manufacturing digital-transformation projects.
Experience developing and implementing Manufacturing DX solutions to improve performance, traceability, and decision-making.
Basic understanding of PLC controls, including Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, tag structures, and ladder logic.
Familiarity with industrial connectivity tools such as Kepware.
Experience with software development tools such as Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, and GitLab.
Knowledge of neural networks and machine-learning concepts related to industrial vision applications.
Experience with Apriso integration or similar manufacturing software platforms.

Responsibilities

Lead development and deployment of computer vision inspection systems for manufacturing and production environments.
Design, build, and maintain end-to-end machine vision pipelines using Python and modern machine-learning and computer-vision frameworks.
Manage the model lifecycle, including data collection, dataset creation, annotation, training, validation, and performance optimization.
Develop custom OCR and defect-detection solutions that operate at production-line speed across multi-camera inspection systems.
Integrate vision systems with plant automation infrastructure, including PLC communications and manufacturing control systems.
Design and implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions using automation, sensing, and machine vision technologies.
Support equipment and automation integration using PLC controls knowledge, including Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms, tag structures, and ladder logic.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, and production teams to identify inspection opportunities and implement scalable technical solutions.
Deploy and maintain applications in containerized environments using Docker and version control systems such as Git.
Implement real-time monitoring, alerting, and reporting to support inspection reliability, uptime, and issue resolution.
Troubleshoot and continuously improve system accuracy, speed, robustness, and production performance.
Build and maintain operator-facing dashboards and user interfaces.
Use operational and model-performance metrics to improve detection accuracy, precision, recall, throughput, and system effectiveness.
Establish best practices for computer vision deployment, data management, and model maintenance in industrial environments.
Research and evaluate emerging AI, machine vision, robotics, and digital-transformation technologies.
Serve as a technical resource for advanced vision, OCR, and AI-driven inspection initiatives.
Document system architecture, development methods, testing results, and performance metrics.
Share technical expertise, assist engineers and staff, and contribute to cross-functional improvement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulations while promoting safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Support continuous improvement activities that strengthen manufacturing quality and process performance.