Senior Application Engineer

Responsibilities:

1. Algorithm Development & Optimization
• Develop and refine chemometric models (PLS, PCA, MLR, ANN, etc.)
• Implement spectral preprocessing methods
• Improve signal-to-noise performance in harsh industrial environments
• Optimize algorithms for real-time embedded execution
• Develop temperature, scatter, and pass line compensation methods
• Evaluate model robustness across product variability
2. System Testing & Validation
• Design controlled laboratory experiments to validate model accuracy
• Develop test protocols for repeatability and reproducibility
• Perform correlation studies against reference lab methods
• Conduct Gage R&R and statistical validation studies
• Evaluate drift over time and develop auto-recalibration strategies
3. Field Application & Commissioning
• Support installation and commissioning at customer sites
• Collect field spectral datasets for model improvement
• Troubleshoot process-induced variability (dust, vibration, temperature)
• Perform calibration transfer between instruments
• Train customers on best practices and data interpretation
4. Optical & Hardware Interaction
• Collaborate with hardware engineers on detector selection, illumination stability, optical path optimization, window contamination mitigation, etc
• Analyze effects of stray light, spectral resolution, integration time, signal averaging, etc.
5. Data Science & Software Integration
• Develop tools in MATLAB, Python, etc.
• Collaborate with embedded engineers on Implementing models into embedded systems, FPGA or real-time controllers
• Build automated model validation pipelines
• Maintain spectral libraries and traceability documentation

Qualifications:

Job Qualifications (Education/Major/Qualification/Language, etc.):
• M.S. in:
o Electrical Engineering
o Chemical Engineering
o Applied Physics
o Data Science (with spectroscopy experience)
• 5+ years’ experience with NIR spectroscopy systems or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of:
o Chemometrics
o Multivariate statistics
o Signal processing
o Industrial sensor deployment
• Experience with calibration transfer techniques
• Strong statistical understanding
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC-UA preferred) is an advantage
• Experience in food processing environments and knowledge of regulatory frameworks is an advantage
• Familiarity with hyperspectral imaging is an advantage
Performance Metrics
• Model accuracy
• Calibration robustness across raw material lots
• Reduction in field recalibration frequency
• Successful deployment into production environments
• Customer satisfaction & field performance stability
Soft Skills
• Strong analytical thinking
• Structured experimental design mindset
• Ability to communicate complex spectral behavior to non-experts
• Comfortable working cross-functionally (optics, firmware, mechanical, production)

Benefit:

• Combination of laboratory development and industrial site visits
• Exposure to food processing environments
• Hands-on work with optical instrumentation and bulk materials
• Work Location: Chengdu Office