Senior Engineer – Programming & AI (Base in Jiangmen)

Job PurposeThe Senior Software Engineer will primarily lead the design, development, and deployment of robust software solutions and AI-driven applications for injection molding manufacturing processes. This role is first and foremost a programming and software development position, with deep expertise across multiple coding languages and technical stacks. Secondary focus will be applied to AI/ML solution development and data application architecture within the injection molding domain. The role will build end-to-end software systems that power closed-loop process control, data pipelines, and intelligent manufacturing tools, while bridging software engineering excellence with manufacturing process knowledge.Key Responsibilities1. Software Development & Programming (Primary Priority)Design, develop, test, and deploy high-quality, production-grade software applications using multiple programming languages and technology stacks.Build scalable backend systems, data processing pipelines, and integration layers that connect manufacturing equipment, sensors, databases, and cloud platforms.Write clean, maintainable, well-documented code across Python, C#/.NET, SQL, and scripting languages as required by the technical architecture.Architect and implement software solutions for real-time data acquisition, processing, and decision-support systems on the shop floor.Lead code reviews, establish coding standards, and enforce best practices for software engineering in a manufacturing environment.Develop APIs, microservices, and integration adapters to enable seamless communication between MES, SCADA, process historians, and AI applications.2. AI & Data Application Development (Second Priority)Lead the development and deployment of AI-based closed-loop process control systems for injection molding machines.Design, train, validate, and deploy machine learning models for process optimization, defect prediction, and self-optimizing process loops.Build and implement LLM/RAG solutions (knowledge assistants, troubleshooting guides, document intelligence tools) using Azure AI Studio and related platforms.Architect end-to-end data pipelines — from machine/sensor data acquisition through storage, processing, analysis, and visualization layers.Develop interactive dashboards and reporting tools using Power BI and custom visualization frameworks to surface process performance, OEE, capability trends, and AI model outputs.Drive 1–2 full-cycle AI/ML project deployments into production, managing the complete lifecycle from problem definition through monitoring.3. Injection Process Domain Application (Supporting Priority)Apply software and AI solutions specifically to plastic gear manufacturing and water pump component production processes.Collaborate with tooling, quality, and production teams to validate software and AI models on production lines, ensuring measurable improvements in capability (Cp/Cpk) and defect reduction.Integrate real-time process signals, sensor data, and quality feedback into self-optimizing process control loops.Partner with IT, Data Engineering, and OT teams to ensure seamless data connectivity between shop floor systems and cloud/analytics platforms.4. Team Capability Building & Knowledge EnablementMentor and upskill the engineering team on software development practices, programming techniques, and modern AI/software tooling.Educate the JEB team (process engineers, technicians, operators) on interpreting and acting on data and AI insights in daily work.Create SOPs, training materials, and hands-on workshops to sustain data-driven and software-enabled work practices.Identify new opportunities for AI/ML and software innovation in manufacturing (predictive maintenance, defect classification, yield optimization).Document project outcomes, best practices, and lessons learned for organizational knowledge retention.Required Qualifications & SkillsProgramming & Software Engineering (Primary)Solid Experience with at least one additional programming language (C#, Java, JavaScript, or similar) for full-stack or systems development.Proven track record of building and deploying production-grade software applications, APIs, or data pipelines.Expert proficiency in Python — for data analysis, scripting, automation, backend development, and ML model implementation.Strong SQL skills — for querying manufacturing databases, process historians, MES systems, and designing data schemas.Experience with cloud platforms (preferably Azure) for software deployment, infrastructure, and DevOps practices.Familiarity with software development best practices: version control, code review, testing, CI/CD, and architectural design patterns.AI & Data Skills (Second Priority)Hands-on experience building, training, and deploying ML/AI models in production environments.Practical knowledge of LLM and RAG technologies for building knowledge assistants and document intelligence tools.Experience with Azure AI Studio or similar AI development platforms.Proficiency with data visualization tools (Power BI preferred) and building analytical dashboards.Experience with end-to-end data pipeline architecture and implementation.Manufacturing & Domain Knowledge (Minor / Preferred)Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.Familiarity with injection molding processes, machine parameters, tooling, and material science is a strong plus but not required.Previous experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred.Experience with closed-loop process control systems is highly preferred.Understanding of plastic injection manufacturing is beneficial.