Intern, Vision Systems

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

Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

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. 

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Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.