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AI Engineer – Computer Vision / Visual Inspection (CNN)

Lumentum
Full-time
On-site
San Jose, California, United States
$130,850 - $186,900 USD yearly
Artificial Intelligence

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We are seeking an experienced AI Engineer with deep expertise in computer vision and CNN-based visual inspection systems to design, develop, and deploy advanced inspection algorithms for manufacturing and industrial environments. This role will focus on building high-accuracy, production-grade visual inspection solutions that improve yield, quality, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience across the full AI model lifecycle, from data preparation and model design through deployment and continuous improvement in real-world factory settings.

Key Responsibilities

Visual Inspection & Algorithm Development

  • Design, develop, and optimize CNN-based computer vision models for defect detection, classification, and segmentation.
  • Implement advanced inspection techniques including:
    • Supervised and semi-supervised learning
    • Transfer learning
    • Anomaly detection
  • Evaluate and select appropriate model architectures based on inspection requirements (accuracy, latency, robustness).

Data & Model Lifecycle Management

  • Lead data preparation, labeling strategies, and dataset curation for visual inspection use cases.
  • Perform model training, validation, tuning, and performance benchmarking.
  • Define acceptance criteria and metrics (precision, recall, false-positive rate, yield impact).

Deployment & Industrial Integration

  • Deploy models into production manufacturing environments, including edge or on-prem systems.
  • Integrate AI models with inspection equipment, cameras, and factory automation systems.
  • Optimize models for real-time performance and reliability.

Continuous Improvement & Operations

  • Monitor model performance in production and implement retraining strategies.
  • Troubleshoot model drift, data quality issues, and false detections.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and automation teams to refine inspection processes.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, AI/ML, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in computer vision and AI model development.
  • Proven experience developing CNN-based visual inspection solutions in industrial or manufacturing environments.
  • Strong proficiency in:
    • Python
    • Deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
    • Computer vision libraries (OpenCV)
  • Experience with image acquisition systems, cameras, lighting, and inspection setups.
  • Strong understanding of model evaluation, optimization, and deployment considerations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in manufacturing, semiconductor, photonics, electronics, or high-tech production environments.
  • Knowledge of edge AI deployment, GPU acceleration, or inference optimization.
  • Familiarity with MLOps practices and model lifecycle management.
  • Experience integrating AI solutions with MES, automation systems, or inspection equipment.
  • Understanding of quality systems, yield analysis, and defect taxonomy.

Key Competencies

  • Deep technical expertise in CNN and computer vision
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to translate inspection requirements into robust AI solutions
  • Collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, production-critical environments

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in MES, industrial automation, AI/ML deployment, or related technical leadership roles.
  • Hands-on experience with computer vision, model deployment, or factory automation platforms (Landing AI experience is a plus).
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, quality control processes, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical programs and manage multi-site rollouts.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Systems, or a related technical field required.
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred but not required.

Pay Range:

P70-USA-1 :$130,850.00 - $186,900.00

Disclaimer:

Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.