Vision Systems Specialist (Can Plant)

Brief Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art can-making technology, this high speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

The Vision Systems Specialist is responsible for the calibration, maintenance, and optimization of high-speed optical inspection systems (such as Applied Vision and PRESSCO) throughout the plant. In a facility where cans move at speeds of 3,000 units per minute, this role ensures that every defect—from a pinhole in the lacquer to a microscopic scuff on the print—is identified and rejected. You will report to the Engineering or Maintenance Manager to ensure the plant’s "digital eyes" never blink.

Essential Job Functions

TECHNICAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate industrial vision cameras, lighting systems, and sensors across the production line.
• Perform regular software updates and configuration backups for all inspection platforms.
• Monitor system performance data to identify trends in false rejects or missed defects, performing root cause analysis to implement permanent fixes.
• Integrate vision system data with PLCs and SCADA platforms (like Ignition) to provide real-time quality dashboards.
• Proficiency in operating automated inspection systems that use cameras to detect defects in real-time
• Execute project plans by installing electrical wiring, control panels, and distribution systems (up to 480V)
• Coordinate and implement installation plans, ensuring adherence to project scopes, timelines, and budgets
• Assemble, install, and test electrical components, panels, and wiring.
• Installing, repairing, and replacing wiring, conduits, fixtures, and components.
• Maintain accurate records of project progress, modifications, test results, and as-built drawings.
  
  

QUALITY & OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

• Collaborate with the Printer Plate Prep and Decorator teams to refine inspection parameters for new label designs or color profiles.
• Stay alert and report any obvious defects of incoming or outgoing material or products that the automated systems may be struggling to capture.
• Ensure the proper and systematic organization of all technical spare parts and sensitive optical equipment.
• Provide technical training to Production Technicians on basic vision system resets and clearing of "nuisance" alarms.
  
  

SAFETY & DOCUMENTATION

• Follow proper safety procedures at all times, especially when working around high-speed conveyors and electrical hazards.
• Regulate access to sensitive system configurations and password-protected software resources.
• Maintain detailed logs of system changes, calibrations, and hardware replacements in the plant’s maintenance tracking system.
• Conduct safety inspections and risk assessments to prevent hazards.
• Implementing OSHA standards and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
  
  

Required Technical Skills & Competencies

• 24/7 Operational Support: This role requires a commitment to a continuous shift rotation (including nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Emergency Response: Must be available for on-call emergencies regarding environmental excursions (spills) or critical utility failures that threaten production continuity.
  
  

Responsibilities Of All Envases Employees

• Commit to ensuring the health/wellness of our employees and product
• Ensure the jobs/operations are completely safely to protect employees and to ensure the sustainability of company equipment/machinery
• Ensure the security of the workforce and sustain any client confidentiality requests
• Deliver timely and efficiently without hindering quality of services and work to ensure the team’s success in meeting our client delivery schedules
• Team centered to perform your job successfully while identifying ways to help others be successful too; willingness to learn; works at a fast pace, actively pursues tasks or direction; willing to work extended hours and adapt to changing work schedules as well as assignments; determines what work needs to be done without instruction; takes action to complete additional work that is beneficial to the team without being instructed
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; Technical degree or journeyman status in a related field (e.g., Industrial Automation, Controls Programming, etc.) is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience managing industrial automation, vision systems, or electro-mechanical maintenance.
• General knowledge of basic hardware, software, and various operating systems, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Knowledge of SAP for parts tracking and a working knowledge of automation standard practices.
• Expert ability to interpret complex electrical blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Deep knowledge of electrical theory, AC/DC circuits, and specialized systems like SCADA or automation controls.
• Knowledge of electrical testing equipment (e.g., voltmeters, ammeters).
  
  

Preferred

• Prior experience in metal forming, packaging, or high-volume consumer goods (FMCG).
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Experience using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs or SCADA systems (like Ignition) for monitoring utility status.
  
  

General Skills/Experience

• Aptitude in spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and skilled craftsmanship
• Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling)
• Skilled in hand and power tool usage
• Ability to operate heavy machinery
• Ability to follow proper safety procedures
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Working knowledge of all automation standard practices
• Proactive and takes ownership to resolve problems and issues
• Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds
• Strong organizational and planning skills and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to plan and execute major tasks.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to interact well with vendors, team members, staff, contractors, and others.
• Willing to participate in meetings and work with all teams.
• Demonstrate and initiate safe work practices.
• Self-starter, capable of self-supervision and willing to accept a variety of assignments.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements or efficiencies leading to cost reductions.
• Strives to enhance the overall knowledge and performance level of self and others.
• A demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
• Ability to use digital reporting systems to log findings, create inspection reports, and maintain clear records of defects or incidents
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints to compare physical parts against digital specifications
  
  

Software/Computer Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of IP addresses, routers, switches, and network configuration, as many modern video systems are networked
• Competence in Windows based operating systems
• Ability to identify and resolve basic computer operating errors
• Ability to diagnose and fix connectivity, software, or hardware-related issues in real time
• General knowledge of basic accessing information on the computer or entering data in a computer system
  
  

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Environmental & Physical Factors

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job. Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Hours / Special Conditions

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; present to fulfill job duties & meet operational demands/support; schedule may vary depending on plant operational needs thus flexibility is required which could include long days, occasional evening & weekends; regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position; position may require travel to meetings, conferences, workshops or other facilities.

Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.