At a Glance
- Tasks: Deploy AI vision systems in food factories, enhancing quality checks and efficiency.
- Company: OAL is a leading family business revolutionising food manufacturing through automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, a company vehicle, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: UK-wide travel is essential; must hold a full UK driving licence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while collaborating with expert teams in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years experience in machine vision or image analysis; hands-on engineering skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Peterborough, PE2 6YN (Primary location - customers sites).
Salary: Competitive, DOE.
Contract: Full-Time, permanent.
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. An innovative family business, based in Peterborough, the company provides automation and system integration services to food manufacturers. It is a market leader for digital transformation, label and date code verification and robotic powder weighing. We are a growing SME offering fantastic opportunities in a fast-paced organisation. If you are ready to contribute to groundbreaking work in a supportive environment, we would love to meet you.
About the role
We are looking for a practical, technically strong Application Engineer to help deploy the next generation of AI vision systems into UK food factories. You will work on high-speed production lines, implementing real-time image analysis solutions that detect, count, and verify products, replacing manual quality checks with powerful machine learning. This is a hands-on role focused on applying AI to solve real production problems. You will help OAL deploy cutting-edge vision, contributing to some of the most innovative projects in the UK food industry.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Vision-Driven Innovation: Help deploy leading-edge vision solutions that improve food safety, quality, and traceability.
- Autonomy with Support: Take ownership of your projects while collaborating with expert engineering teams.
- Real Impact: This is not a lab job. Your systems will directly improve efficiency, reduce waste and solve complex food manufacturing challenges.
Your Role Will Involve
- Designing and implementing machine vision inspection systems.
- Running trials and developing proof-of-concepts to validate AI models for real-world conditions.
- Programming and configuring PLCs and SCADA systems.
- Installing, commissioning, and supporting automated solutions on customer sites across the UK.
- Creating and maintaining clear documentation, including functional design specs and support manuals.
- Acting as the technical liaison with customers during deployment and troubleshooting.
- Supporting the wider automation team in delivering complete project solutions.
- Conducting trials and feasibility studies for customer-specific vision requirements.
What We Need From You:
- Experience deploying machine vision or image analysis systems in an industrial or research setting.
- Comfortable working with AI/ML platforms or deep learning vision tools.
- Hands-on engineering experience with automation or robotics systems.
- Able to work on site, troubleshoot systems hands-on, and communicate clearly with operators and engineers.
- Has over 5 years of experience in a similar role.
- Full UK driving licence and happy to travel UK-wide (50%+ field-based).
If you feel you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role then apply today!
Benefits You’ll Enjoy
- UK-wide travel.
- Flexible Working: Find the balance with our flexible work arrangements.
- Generous Holiday Package: Enjoy 25 days of holiday plus public holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days.
- Company vehicle.
- Pension Scheme: Plan for the future with our company pension scheme.
- Peace of Mind: Feel secure with our death in service benefit.
- Continuous Learning: We will cover your professional fees, supporting your career development.
- Smart Health: Access a 24/7 online GP, mental health support, and wellbeing services anytime.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Application Engineer Vision Systems in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest AI vision systems and machine learning tools relevant to the food manufacturing industry. Being knowledgeable about current technologies will help you stand out during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automation and robotics sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others who work in similar roles, as personal recommendations can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with deploying machine vision systems. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of real-world scenarios where AI vision systems could improve efficiency in food manufacturing. This will demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Application Engineer Vision Systems in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in deploying machine vision or image analysis systems. Emphasise any hands-on engineering experience with automation or robotics systems, as well as your familiarity with AI/ML platforms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to solve real production problems using AI vision systems.
Showcase Technical Skills:In your application, clearly outline your technical skills related to programming and configuring PLCs and SCADA systems. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented these technologies in previous roles.
Highlight Communication Skills:Since the role involves acting as a technical liaison with customers, emphasise your communication skills. Include examples of how you've effectively communicated with operators and engineers during project deployments.
How to prepare for a job interview at OAL Group
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with machine vision and image analysis systems. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented these technologies, especially in industrial settings, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research OAL and their innovative approach to food manufacturing automation. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, particularly in AI vision systems, so you can align your answers with their goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-world applications of AI and machine learning in production environments. Think of examples where you've solved complex problems or improved efficiency, as this will show your ability to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since the role involves liaising with customers and troubleshooting on-site, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Clear communication is key, so ensure you can convey your ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
