Principal Machine Vision Development Engineer

Medtronic • Fridley, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 22 Apr 2026 At Medtronic you can begin a life-long career of exploration and innovation, while helping champion healthcare access and equity for all. You’ll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate world. A Day in the Life At Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We're working onsite 4 days a week as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration as we work together to engineer the extraordinary. The person in this role will work from the Medtronic facility located in Fridley, MN. This role will require 20% of travel to enhance collaboration and ensure successful completion of projects. As a Principal Machine Vision Engineer on the Global Operations Innovation team, you will develop advanced machine vision and automated inspection systems for medical device manufacturing. Your work will enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reliability across Medtronic’s global network of manufacturing sites. We believe that when people from different cultures, genders, and points of view come together, innovation is the result —and everyone wins. Medtronic walks the walk, creating an inclusive culture where you can thrive. Our unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E) means zero barriers to opportunity within Medtronic and a culture where all employees belong, are respected, and feel valued for who they are and the life experiences they contribute. We know equity starts beyond our workplace, and we must play a role in addressing systemic inequities in our communications to achieve long-term sustainable impact. Bring your talents to an industry leader in medical technology and healthcare solutions – we’re a market leader and growing every day. You can be proud to be a part of technologies that are rooted in our long history of mission-driven innovation. You will be empowered to shape your own career. We encourage and support your growth with the training, mentorship, and guidance you need to own your future success. Together, we can transform healthcare. Join us for a career that changes lives. Medtronic is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. CAREERS THAT CHANGE LIVES

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree

Nice To Haves

• Preferred 7+ years of Vision and Automation manufacturing equipment system design experience (or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree)
• Deep expertise in 2D and 3D machine vision hardware, including cameras, optics, lighting, frame grabbers, and related imaging components.
• Strong command of machine vision fundamentals and image processing techniques, with the ability to architect robust inspection solutions.
• Proven experience partnering with third‑party automation and system integrators to deliver fully integrated, production‑ready machine vision systems.
• Experience authoring, reviewing, or supporting Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) documentation for vision systems.
• Demonstrated success designing, developing, and deploying machine vision systems in manufacturing environments; medical device experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and business requirements into practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and align cross‑functional, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience deploying AI and deep learning–based vision solutions into production environments is a plus.
• Experience working within a regulated Quality Management System (QMS) environment preferred.
• Familiarity with medical device regulatory requirements and standards (e.g., validation, compliance, inspection controls) is a plus.
• High attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to delivering high‑quality, reliable solutions.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, navigating ambiguity and creatively resolving technical development challenges.
• Proven ability to work independently as a senior technical contributor while also leading and collaborating within project teams.
• Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the design and optimization of advanced image acquisition systems for manufacturing equipment, including camera architecture, optics, lighting strategies, and calibration methodologies.
• Serve as a technical authority on commercial machine vision platforms and components, including Cognex, Keyence, HALCON, LMI, and GigE-based systems, guiding technology selection and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership in the integration of machine vision systems into complex manufacturing environments, partnering with internal teams, suppliers, and system integrators to ensure scalable, robust solutions.
• Lead the development and deployment of machine vision algorithms for product quality, including image processing, object detection, recognition, and tracking.
• Own feasibility assessments, system performance evaluations, and validation activities (FAT/SAT), ensuring solutions meet technical, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.
• Stay at the forefront of machine vision and imaging advancements, proactively identifying and driving adoption of technologies that improve product quality and manufacturing capability.
• Act as a key technical partner to regulatory and quality organizations, ensuring compliance with medical device standards and inspection requirements.
• Provide expert‑level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical mentorship for machine vision systems across the product and equipment lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain high‑quality technical documentation, including system architectures, design specifications, test strategies, and validation reports.
• Lead complex, multi‑site initiatives by synthesizing business and technical requirements, defining long‑term technology roadmaps, and delivering scalable vision hardware and analytics solutions aligned with organizational strategy.

Benefits

• Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
• We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
• Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
• Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees