Research Engineer, Advanced Sensing & Smart Inspection

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research invites applications for a Research Engineer to develop agentic AI capabilities for intelligent quality inspection in advanced manufacturing. The role combines AI/ML, computer vision, hardware integration and edge computing to create a closed-loop inspection pipeline that supports autonomous decision-making.

You will prototype and validate AI-based inspection solutions, collaborate across hardware, software, and validation teams, and help

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, Robotics, or related field.
• Strong AI/ML foundation including model training, evaluation, and practical implementation.
• Proficiency in Python and applying AI/ML in projects or research.
• Solid software fundamentals including version control and maintainable code.
• Basic understanding of hardware-software integration (sensors, cameras, edge devices).
• Collaborative, analytical, self-motivated, cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI/ML models and agent modules; train, validate, and evaluate AI models using data and experiments.
• Translate partner needs into end-to-end inspection solutions linking data, hardware, inference, and decision-making.
• Support experimental setup, calibration, data acquisition, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Integrate hardware and software with cameras, illumination, sensors, robotics, PLCs, and edge devices.
• Prototype, test, and iterate AI solutions toward deployment.
• Collaborate across simulation, optimisation, knowledge storage, hardware integration, and validation.
• Document research findings, model performance, validation results, and system architectures.
• Stay updated on agentic AI, ML, CV, and automation advances.

Skills

Python

AI/ML fundamentals

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

OpenCV

LangChain

LangGraph

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Engineer to develop agentic AI capabilities for intelligent quality inspection in advanced manufacturing. The role focuses on inspection solutions and AI-powered agent modules across automation, computer vision, machine learning, and hardware-integrated systems. You will help connect software and hardware into a closed-loop inspection pipeline that supports reliable, efficient, and autonomous quality decision-making.

This role offers the opportunity to work on next-generation autonomous inspection systems that improve reliability, efficiency, and decision-making in advanced manufacturing. You will help take ideas from prototype to deployable solutions combining AI algorithms, inspection hardware, sensing systems, and automation platforms. The ideal candidate brings strong AI/ML fundamentals, curiosity in emerging AI technologies, and the ability to prototype, validate, and iterate in a research-driven environment with hardware constraints.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI/ML models and agent modules; Train, validate, and evaluate AI models using sensor / inspection data, simulations outputs, and experiments.
• Translate partner and customer needs into end-to-end inspection solutions linking data acquisition, hardware, inference, and decision-making.
• Support experimental setup, calibration, data acquisition, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Support hardware-software integration with cameras, illumination, sensors, robotic or motion stages, programmable controllers, and edge-computing devices.
• Assist in setup, calibration, data acquisition, and hardware troubleshooting to ensure reliable data for AI model development and validation.
• Prototype, test, and iterate AI solutions, with a focus on progressing successful concepts toward deployment.
• Collaborate with teams across simulation, optimisation, knowledge storage, hardware integration, and validation.
• Document research findings, model performance, validation results, and system architectures.
• Keep abreast of advances in agentic AI, machine learning, computer vision, and automation to bring relevant new ideas to the project

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong AI/ML foundation, including model training, evaluation, and practical implementation.
• Proficient in Python, with experience applying AI/ML in coursework, projects, internships, or research.
• Solid software development fundamentals, including version control and maintainable code practices.
• Basic understanding of hardware-software integration, such as sensors, cameras, edge devices, or experimental setups.
• Self-motivated, analytical, and able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Knowledge And Skills

• Hands-on experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar AI/ML frameworks.
• Experience with computer vision libraries and techniques (e.g., OpenCV, object detection, segmentation, defect classification).
• Familiarity with, or strong interest in learning, agentic AI patterns, LLM-based frameworks such as LangChain or LangGraph, and multi-agent orchestration.
• Exposure to knowledge representation, vector databases, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
• Experience taking prototypes to production, including automation, deployment, integration, or MLOps practices.
• Background in signal processing, robotics/automation, or manufacturing quality inspection. Domain knowledge is beneficial but can be developed on the job.
• Experience with inspection hardware such as cameras, lighting, sensors, motion stages, robotics, PLCs, microcontrollers, or edge AI devices, including setup, integration, calibration, or troubleshooting.