Software Engineer AI & Machine Learning

Houdijk; Vlaardingen; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: €3,500–€5,100 monthly

27 vacation days + 13 ADV

Commuting allowance (€0.25/km)

Pension plan with PME

Healthcare support

Gym membership

Bike contribution

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Royal Houdijk seeks a Software Engineer to integrate AI models into high-tech machinery. You will bridge AI software with real-time machine control, taking models from development to production in industrial settings.

The role emphasizes performance on edge hardware, robust interfaces in C#/C++/Python, and collaboration with mechanical and hardware engineering teams. Fluency in Dutch and English is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in AI, Computer Vision, Data Science, or related field.
• Strong Software Engineer with passion for AI and Machine Learning.
• Proficiency in Python; experience with C++ or C# (.NET).
• Experience with Docker, Git and CI/CD in industrial apps.
• Knowledge of AI models (CV, anomaly detection); not solely a data scientist.
• Fluent in Dutch and English (spoken and written).
• Certificate of Conduct (VOG) may be requested.

Responsibilities

• Design software infrastructure connecting AI models with machine control systems (PLC/IPC).
• Optimize AI models for real-time performance on industrial hardware (Jetson/CUDA/TensorRT, Beckhoff or Rockwell PCs).
• Develop robust interfaces in C#, C++, or Python to connect AI modules with PLC-based software.
• Translate algorithms into clean, testable, maintainable code per modern standards.

Skills

Python

C++

C#

AI & ML

Docker

Git

CI/CD

English proficiency

Dutch proficiency

Education

Master's in AI/Computer Vision/Data Science

Tools

Docker

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

You are the architect behind the integration of AI models into our high-tech machinery, enabling our systems to go beyond data collection and intelligently respond to their environment in real time.

About the job

This is where AI meets the world of high-tech machinery. You take advanced AI models beyond the development stage and integrate them into real-world industrial systems, where reliability, speed and real-time performance are essential. From software architecture and edge deployment to machine control integration, you build the technology that enables our machines to intelligently respond to their environment.

Your key responsibilities

• Designing the software infrastructure that connects AI models with machine control systems (PLC/IPC).
• Optimizing AI models for real-time performance on industrial hardware, such as NVIDIA Jetson/CUDA/TensorRT and Beckhoff or Rockwell industrial PCs.
• Developing robust and reliable interfaces in C#, C++ or Python to seamlessly connect AI modules with the core PLC-based machine software.
• Translating complex algorithms into clean, testable and maintainable code, following modern software engineering standards and best practices.

What we offer

Working at Royal Houdijk means being part of an organization with a personal approach, short lines of communication, and an open, informal working environment where collaboration comes naturally.

We are driven by development. Not only in terms of technology, but especially when it comes to the personal and professional growth of our people. With the right guidance and a positive, supportive work climate, we encourage you to bring out the best in yourself.

In addition, we offer an attractive benefits package that reflects the value we place on our employees.

What you can expect

• A monthly salary between €3.500 and €5.100 (based on a 40-hour workweek), with opportunities for further growth through specialization or career development.
• 27 vacation days and 13 additional leave days (ADV) in accordance with the Metalektro collective labor agreement.
• The option to "sell" unused ADV days each year.
• A fixed monthly commuting allowance of €0.25 per kilometer.
• A solid pension plan with PME, with 50% of the contributions covered by Royal Houdijk.
• Attractive employee benefits such as financial support for uncovered healthcare costs, a gym membership, or a contribution towards a new bicycle for commuting.
• A healthy work-life balance, with flexibility to organize your working hours.
• Internal and external training opportunities to support your personal development and to maintain your product and system knowledge.

What you bring

We are looking for a strong Software Engineer with a passion for AI and machine learning. You know how to turn AI models into robust, production-ready software and feel comfortable working at the intersection of software engineering, AI and industrial automation. You combine a solid technical background with a pragmatic mindset and enjoy bringing intelligent solutions into real-world machines.

Key qualifications

• A completed Master’s degree in AI, Computer Vision, Data Science, or a related field, or an equivalent academic level of thinking and working.
• First and foremost, you are a strong Software Engineer with a passion for AI and Machine Learning.
• You are highly proficient in Python and have experience with C++ or C# (.NET).
• You are familiar with Docker, Git and CI/CD pipelines, preferably within industrial applications.
• You know how to implement and validate AI models, such as Computer Vision and Anomaly Detection models. You do not need to be a pure Data Scientist focused solely on training mathematical models.
• Good command of both Dutch and English, spoken and written.
• Providing a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) may be part of the application process.

See what a day in your new position looks like

Your future team

Our Software Engineering team currently consists of 30 Software Engineers: a professional and close-knit group of colleagues with a strong sense of team spirit. We regularly organize team activities and social events. In your role, you will also work closely with other Engineering disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering and Hardware Engineering.

About Royal Houdijk

Every day, millions of baked goods move seamlessly through our systems, from oven to packaging, with unmatched efficiency and precision. Royal Houdijk employs 225 people and operates from its headquarters in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, supported by global service centers in the USA, Mexico and Austria.

As an employer, Royal Houdijk stands for teamwork, collegiality, and growth. Career development is actively encouraged.