Application Engineer

Application Engineer

Vision Systems and Stroboscopic Systems

Reports To:

Director of Project Management (Carlos Berthet)

Location:

Headquarters based with regional and international travel; hybrid schedule eligible

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Travel:

Up to 50% (domestic; occasional international) — a true “road warrior” mindset is required for this role

Position Summary

The Application Engineer will serve as the primary technical resource for deploying, commissioning, and supporting Unilux Edge Tech Vision and UniPRINT Vision systems at customer sites, with occasional focus on stand-alone stroboscopic systems. This role bridges Sales, Engineering, and Technical Support, ensuring system solutions are correctly scoped, installed, tuned, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

As Unilux expands its vision system portfolio, the Application Engineer will also play an active role in evaluating new technologies, contributing to product roadmap development, and scaling application engineering best practices across the growing division. The role acts as a clear communication link between end users in the field and internal engineering, sales, and project/product management teams.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Sale & Scope Development

• Partner with Sales to qualify vision system opportunities and assess technical feasibility
• Conduct application walk-throughs and site surveys to define inspection requirements, lighting conditions, mounting constraints, and integration needs
• Perform bench evaluations and proof-of-concept testing on customer sample parts using Edge Tech Vision and UniPRINT Vision platforms
• Document risk/gap findings to support Go/No-Go decisions
• Contribute technical content to formal proposals, including scope of work, BOM, quotations, acceptance criteria, and project timeline

Commissioning

• Lead on-site installation and integration commissioning of Edge Tech Vision and UniPRINT Vision hardware and software
• Configure systems and implement calibrations per application requirements
• Integrate vision systems with customer PLCs, conveyors, MES/ERP systems, and rejection/marking equipment, connecting Unilux equipment into customers' existing production lines and control systems
• Drive pre-commissioning protocols and document baseline KPIs with customers to meet all specified requirements prior scheduling commissioning
• Deliver operator and maintenance training tailored to each customer environment

Post-Deployment Support & Field Support

• Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 technical support for deployed Edge Tech Vision and UniPRINT Vision systems, on-site and remotely
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, optics, algorithm, and integration issues in the field
• Execute software update deployments: schedule maintenance windows, back up configurations, deploy releases, validate KPIs, and execute rollback if needed
• Maintain accurate field service records, site configuration documentation, application notes, and customer-specific test results
• Escalate unresolved issues to Unilux Engineering with detailed reproduction steps and severity classification

SW Release Communication & Rollout

• Participate in the Application Engineering validation stage of the software release process: deploy releases to test rigs, run site-specific regression suites, and document pass/fail results
• Coordinate customer notification and scheduling of maintenance windows for software updates
• Communicate release notes to customers in accessible language; confirm no operational impact before and after deployment
• Serve as the primary field feedback channel — log issues from customer sites, classify severity, and provide Engineering with actionable reproduction details

Product & Process Development

• Contribute application insights to Quality Assurance and Product/Project Management for roadmap planning and new feature prioritization
• Document application engineering best practices, installation standards, and site-specific configuration templates
• Support evaluation and integration of new vision technologies, sensors, and AI/ML-based inspection algorithms as the portfolio expands
• Collaborate with Unilux Engineering during Validation & Verification cycles to validate system performance against real-world application conditions
• Represent Application Engineering in cross-functional product kickoff and sprint review meetings

Qualifications

Required

• 3–7 years of experience in applications engineering, field service, machine vision, or industrial automation
• Hands-on experience with industrial vision systems, cameras, lighting, and optics (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, Basler, or equivalent)
• Hands-on field service and system integration experience, at either the consumer or industrial level
• Familiarity with image processing concepts: contrast, resolution, calibration, and defect detection algorithms
• Experience integrating equipment with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, serial)
• Substantial hands-on experience with electromechanical test instruments — power supplies, oscilloscopes, and multimeters — and a general understanding of electronics
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and core Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, and system integration layers
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system architecture diagrams
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to facilitate clear communication between end users and internal engineering, sales, and project management teams
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred

• Experience with steel inspection, print inspection, web inspection, or inline quality systems in packaging, label, or converting industries
• Exposure to UV/IR illumination, or stroboscopic inspection systems
• 2+ years of experience working with electronics and industrial integrations
• Experience with project management software such as Monday.com
• Working knowledge of Python, C#, or scripting languages for vision system configuration or automation
• Experience with version-controlled software deployment and structured release validation processes
• Familiarity with Agile/sprint-based product development workflows
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Imaging Science, or a related technical discipline (equivalent field experience considered)

Core Competencies

Technical Excellence:

• Systematic problem solving
• Vision system configuration & tuning
• HW/SW integration depth
• Structured release validation
• Root cause analysis

Interpersonal & Business:

• Customer-first mindset
• Clear technical communication
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Self-directed field execution
• Adaptability in dynamic environments

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Vision systems are commissioned on time and meet or exceed acceptance criteria on first go-live
• Software releases are deployed cleanly with zero production downtime at customer sites
• Field issues are logged and communicated with exceptionally clear details that Unilux Engineering can reproduce and fix them in the current or next sprint
• Customers view the Application Engineer as a trusted technical advisor, not just a service technician
• Application knowledge is documented and shared, enabling the team to scale as the vision portfolio grows

Compensation & Benefits

Unilux offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including:

• Competitive base annual salary of $90,000
• Performance-based bonus
• Health and dental insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and technical training budget
• Career growth path within an expanding vision systems division, backed by a collaborative, close-knit team culture

About Unilux

Unilux is a leader in high-performance stroboscopic and LED inspection lighting and vision systems for the print, packaging, converting, paper and steel industries – with a strong presence in motion analysis and film visual FX applications. Our Edge Tech Vision and UniPRINT Vision platforms deliver inline inspection solutions that help manufacturers eliminate defects, reduce waste, and ensure brand consistency. As we expand our vision system capabilities, we are building a team of application engineering experts who are passionate about solving real-world inspection challenges.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing a vision system project you're proud of to have participated in, had stake in, or owned. [[email protected] / careers page link].

Pay: $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person