This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional
Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to
collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and,
therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program
involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various
fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's
scientific research.
Research Title: Machine Vision Engineer for PCB Inspection
The work will entail:
NIST is investigating the performance of commercial and custom AI
systems (hardware and software) for printed circuit board (PCB) inspection and manufacturing
defect detection. The work will focus on conducting experiments, acquiring and analyzing data
to understand these systems; performance, and generating data to train AI systems.
Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
● Develop AI/ML based image processing pipelines using Python/Pytorch and other
relevant software modules in collaboration with other NIST researchers.
● Develop test rigs to acquire 2D and 3D images of PCBs and defective parts.
● Research the effects of various physical properties of an object and sensor settings on
the AI metrics.
● Write reports and develop weekly presentations to discuss the progress of the project.
● Perform a literature review and market research of relevant algorithms, hardware and
software.
Qualifications
● Education:
o Engineering majors with a Ph.D or master’s degree (Ex: Computer Science,
Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, and/or Mechanical
Engineering)
● PCB design and hardware:
o Experience with PCB layout and design software such as KiCad, DipTrace
o Experience with developing and inspecting PCBs
● AI/ML and computer vision:
o Experience using Python, PyTorch, and Tensorflow for developing AI/ML
pipelines.
o Experience with OpenCV, MVTec HALCON, or Matlab Computer Vision Toolbox.
o Basic understanding of imaging sensors such as RGB and RGB-D cameras
o Experience with computer vision algorithms to perform object detection, data
augmentation, and 2D/3D pose estimation
o Point cloud data processing, 2D and 3D imaging
● Experience with physics engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine and MuJoCo.
● Experience developing on both Windows and Linux platforms.
● Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks and OnShape
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.