Job Description
On-site at Quest Diagnostic's Tampa Lab
Duration: Project-based (4 - 6 months); to start in late May 2026
Hours: Full-time for the summer and part-time for the fall semester (flexible around academic schedule)
Project Overview
Quest Diagnostics are seeking a highly motivated engineering student to support a hands-on automation project focused on developing and deploying a vision systems capable to detect and recognize patterns and perform analytics. This project will involve working with programming and assembly a vision system hardware for image processing, and automation controls. The student will collaborate with engineering and operations teams to design, program, test, and validate vision-based counting solutions that improve accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of instruments.
What the Student Will Gain
• Real-world experience deploying vision systems in production.
• Practical exposure to industrial automation and manufacturing operations.
• Opportunity to contribute to a production-ready solution, not just a lab exercise.
• Strong resume-building project experience in automation, vision, and coding
Key Responsibilities
• Design and development of vision systems for part detection and counting.
• Configure and calibrate cameras, lenses, lighting, and sensors for optimal image capture.
• Develop and test image processing algorithms for object detection, counting, and validation.
• Write, debug, and maintain code for vision and automation integration.
• Interface vision systems with automation equipment (PLCs, conveyors, triggers, I/O).
• Collect and analyze performance data to improve accuracy and robustness.
• Support system testing in a live production environment.
• Document system designs, code, test results, and operating procedures
Required Skills & Qualifications
• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering (Mechatronics, Electrical, Automation, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or related field).
• Understanding of vision system concepts (image acquisition, lighting, resolution, contrast, etc).
• Experience or coursework in programming, such as:
• Python, C/C++, or similar
• Familiarity with image processing libraries (e.g., OpenCV) is a plus
• Fundamental knowledge of automation systems, including:
• Sensors and actuators
• Basic PLC concepts or industrial I/O
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues methodically.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills
• Experience with vision system platforms (Cognex, Keyence, Omron, Basler, etc.).
• Exposure to PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
• Knowledge of camera calibration, lighting techniques, and optical setups.
• Familiarity with robotics or automation.
• Understanding of statistical analysis or accuracy validation.
• Experience working on hands-on engineering or capstone projects.