Vision Systems Engineer

Our client is looking for a Vision Systems Engineer in Gelderland to own the imaging chain of a high-tech machine from end to end. That covers the illumination, optics and camera, and the software that turns raw images into reliable measurements. This is a systems role rather than a pure software or pure optics role. The successful candidate will understand how a choice of lens, light source or sensor shows up in the image, and how the image then affects machine performance.

You will turn machine-level requirements such as accuracy, throughput and wafer types into clear vision specifications. You will select and qualify hardware with suppliers, and develop the image processing behind wafer alignment, feature detection and inspection. Calibration is a core part of the work, including pixel-to-stage mapping, lens distortion correction and focus. So is root cause analysis when performance issues come up, whether the cause sits in the hardware, the algorithm or somewhere in between.

The role is highly collaborative. You will work closely with mechanical, electronics, motion control and software engineers on integration and test, and prototype algorithms and test tooling in Python before handing them over to the machine software team. It is a 6-12 month contract starting as soon as possible, suited to an experienced machine vision engineer who is comfortable weighing hardware and software trade-offs against accuracy, speed and cost.

Main responsibilities: Own the vision subsystem of the machine, including cameras, lenses, illumination and the image processing built on top of them; Turn machine-level requirements (accuracy, throughput, wafer types) into vision specifications such as resolution, field of view, depth of field and frame rate; Select and qualify cameras, optics and light sources, and work with suppliers on performance and lifecycle; Develop and improve image processing for wafer alignment, feature detection and inspection; Calibrate the vision system to the machine, including pixel-to-stage mapping, lens distortion and focus; Analyse image data to find the root causes of performance issues, from hardware through to algorithm; Prototype algorithms and test tooling in Python and hand them over to the machine software team; Work with mechanical, electronics, motion control and software engineers on integration and test.

Requirements: Essential: MSc or equivalent in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related technical field; 7+ years designing or integrating machine vision or imaging systems, ideally in high-tech equipment; Solid understanding of imaging optics, including magnification, telecentricity, depth of field, MTF and aberrations; Hands-on experience with industrial cameras and sensors, including exposure, noise, pixel size and interfaces such as GigE Vision, CoaXPress or Camera Link; Experience designing illumination for difficult surfaces such as reflective or patterned materials; Strong image processing background in pattern matching, edge detection, sub-pixel measurement and calibration; A systems mindset and comfort trading off hardware and software choices against accuracy, speed and cost; Fluent English.

Desirable: Python for algorithm prototyping, data analysis and test automation (NumPy, OpenCV, scikit-image); Experience with commercial vision libraries such as HALCON or Cognex VisionPro; Working knowledge of C++ or C# for integration into machine software; Background in semiconductor equipment, wafer handling or metrology; Exposure to deep learning for defect detection or classification; Dutch language skills.

The offer: 6-12 month contract based in Gelderland, Netherlands; ASAP start; Full ownership of the vision subsystem on high-tech equipment; Close work with a multidisciplinary engineering team covering mechanics, electronics, motion control and software; Rate to be confirmed with candidates.