Imaging and Mechatronics Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Imaging and Mechatronics Engineer

Location: Santa Monica, CA (100% Onsite)
Engagement: Open to Full-Time, Part-Time, Consulting, or Contract

The Opportunity

We are hiring an Imaging and Mechatronics Engineer to own a critical system responsible for sensors, cameras, optics, lighting, and precision motion that transform physical objects into clean, reliable data.

This is a hands-on, full-stack systems role with a significant software engineering component. You will calibrate and coordinate multi-axis motion and optics, optimize imaging quality, and ensure consistent, repeatable data acquisition. You will own the overall performance and reliability of the system, driving root-cause analysis across tightly integrated hardware and software environments.

The core focus of this role is supporting and improving a complex imaging and automation platform consisting of motion control systems, cameras, lighting, sensors, and custom Python-based software. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working at the intersection of hardware and software, where challenges often span multiple systems and disciplines.

Success in this position requires strong troubleshooting and systems-thinking abilities, with the capability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and implement improvements across integrated equipment and software environments. Candidates should be able to analyze how different components interact, diagnose performance or reliability issues, and drive solutions that improve system functionality, efficiency, and repeatability.

What You'll Work On

• Own the full imaging acquisition stack, including sensors, optics, illumination, motion systems, and supporting software

• Calibrate and coordinate multi-axis motion and optics, including camera positioning, illumination/laser alignment, focal targeting, and spatial calibration

• Optimize imaging quality and dynamic range across diverse materials and surface finishes

• Build and integrate motion control and collision avoidance into live production workflows

• Architect and optimize the capture-to-analysis pipeline to maximize throughput and eliminate bottlenecks

• Ensure deterministic system performance so identical objects consistently produce identical images and results

• Develop storage, processing, and configuration systems that enable rapid onboarding of new measurements and object types

• Improve operator workflows through automation, configuration routing, metadata management, and streamlined operating modes

• Support production operations, including remote and local machine management, deployment, and system uptime

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues involving motion control, cameras, sensors, lighting systems, optics, and software integrations

• Design and implement system improvements that enhance performance, reliability, throughput, and reproducibility across the entire platform

What You'll Bring

• Strong systems engineering expertise across integrated hardware and software environments

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues involving sensors, optics, calibration, motion systems, and software

• Strong production-level Python programming skills

• Hands-on experience with imaging systems, including cameras, sensors, optics, illumination, exposure control, dynamic range, and calibration

• Experience integrating motion control and mechatronic systems such as multi-axis stages, encoders, motion planning, and collision avoidance

• Ability to analyze and solve problems that span multiple subsystems, including hardware, software, optics, motion control, and automation equipment

• A strong focus on throughput, reliability, reproducibility, profiling, and performance optimization

• Ability to solve complex interdisciplinary problems spanning both hardware and software domains

• Self-directed work style with the ability to own ambiguous technical challenges within a small team environment

Nice to Have

• Background in computational photography or imaging science

• Experience with linear stages, gantries, servo/stepper systems, precision positioning, and encoders

• Experience with remote device management, deployment, and industrial/edge system operations

• Knowledge of optics, lenses, filters, and illumination design

• Experience in metrology, non-destructive imaging, or industrial inspection applications

Why Join Us?

• Own a mission-critical subsystem with end-to-end responsibility and impact

• Work on challenging problems at the intersection of optics, motion control, sensors, and software

• Join a highly technical team where your work directly impacts deployed systems

• Flexible engagement options including full-time, part-time, consulting, and contract opportunities

• Competitive compensation ranging from $130,000-$165,000 for full-time hires, based on experience, with competitive consulting and contract rates available

Job Details

• Location: Santa Monica, CA (100% Onsite)

• Employment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Consultant, or Contractor

• Travel: Must be willing and able to travel

• Experience Level: Senior preferred; exceptional candidates at other levels will be considered

• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship

Company Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.

We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.

Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.

We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.

We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.

Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.

As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Company Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.\r\n\r\nWe’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.\r\n\r\nOur Services\r\nW3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.\r\n\r\nWe specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.\r\n\r\nWe are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.\r\n\r\nOur Expertise\r\nW3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.\r\n\r\nAs a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.