Rico Pfennig
Senior Software Engineer (Fullstack, DevOps & AI)
Fullstack Engineering (.NET, FastAPI, React, Vue.js), Cloud & CI/CD, and practical AI & RAG systems
About Me
Experienced Senior Software Engineer with deep expertise in designing and implementing modern fullstack solutions (.NET / C#, FastAPI, React, Vue.js, TypeScript, Python) as well as the practical integration of AI and RAG architectures.
Holistic focus across the entire software development lifecycle and DevOps – ranging from cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines to robust backend architectures and performant frontends, consistently driven by TDD and Clean Code.
Work Experience
Senior AI & Fullstack Software Engineer · Ingenieurbüro Hannweber
01/2025 - PresentDresden / Remote
Development and technical architecture of the enterprise AI platform "Albert" for agent-based analysis, automated risk assessments, CE documentation, and hazard analyses in mechanical and plant engineering.
- Conceptual design and implementation of an agent-based AI architecture (Agentic AI) with FastAPI, LangChain, and LangGraph (multi-agent workflows) with multi-model integration (OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, xAI)
- Built a high-performance RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipeline featuring semantic PDF parsing (PyMuPDF), text chunking, vector search via Azure AI Search, and Azure Blob Storage
- Developed the interactive frontend platform with React 19, TypeScript, Vite, Material UI, and Zustand, including interactive visual graph and schematic component diagrams using React Flow (@xyflow/react)
- Implemented bidirectional real-time communication and streaming via WebSockets as well as automated standards-compliant PDF generation (jsPDF, AutoTable)
- Designed and implemented modular REST APIs, relational data models (SQLAlchemy, MySQL), and robust authentication (JWT, Argon2)
Professional Training: AI Manager · Certified Training
09/2024 - 11/2024Dresden / Remote
Certified professional development as AI Manager focusing on strategic evaluation, project management, and integrating AI technologies into enterprise workflows.
- Comprehensive AI Knowledge: In-depth understanding of fundamentals, mechanisms, potentials, risks, and adoption requirements of artificial intelligence
- Strategic Assessment & Concept: Evaluating enterprise AI use cases and developing targeted implementation strategies
- Project Management & Coordination: Steering complex AI projects, coordinating interdisciplinary teams, and selecting appropriate AI technologies
- Implementation & Process Optimization: Supporting digital transformation initiatives to drive efficiency across the value chain
Frontend Developer · swp software systems GmbH
12/2022 - 03/2024Dresden, Germany
Development of modern, modular frontend applications with Vue.js following industry best practices and high quality standards.
- Developed modular frontend components with Vue.js and TypeScript, consistently applying Test-Driven Development (TDD)
- Increased test efficiency and significantly reduced manual testing efforts through automated E2E testing
- Optimized build and deployment pipelines for faster and more reliable release cycles
- Maintained high quality and security standards through static code analysis and agile team collaboration
Backend Developer (.NET / C#) · swp software systems GmbH
06/2022 - 11/2022Dresden, Germany
Design, development, and optimization of robust backend services and APIs in the .NET ecosystem.
- Developed and performance-tuned backend services with C# and ASP.NET Core / MVC
- Designed and integrated structured REST APIs along with containerization using Docker
- Strictly applied TDD principles and automated integration tests for maximum system reliability
- Enhanced code quality and maintainability through static code analysis and agile code reviews
Fullstack Software Engineer · swp software systems GmbH
12/2013 - 06/2022Dresden, Germany
Long-term fullstack engineering of web-based CRM and enterprise software solutions in an agile environment.
- Developed a web-based CRM system using ASP.NET, C#, JavaScript, and MS-SQL
- Integrated Elasticsearch for advanced, high-performance full-text search and querying
- Introduced automated testing and Continuous Integration to continually increase stability and system performance
- Optimized GitLab CI/CD pipelines and established automated acceptance and UI tests
Fullstack Developer · ADVITEC Informatik GmbH
11/2011 - 08/2013Dresden, Germany
Development of customized Laboratory Information and Management Systems (LIMS).
- Contributed to the development of a tailored LIMS with C#, WCF, WPF, and Oracle Database
- Applied Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Test-Driven Development (TDD), and pair programming for error-free code
- Conducted comprehensive process analyses, memory and performance optimizations, and structured debugging
- Implemented automated acceptance and system tests to ensure top-level reliability
Software Developer · AIS Automation Dresden GmbH
09/2007 - 10/2011Dresden, Germany
Development and worldwide commissioning of control systems and HMIs for vacuum coating facilities.
- Concept, programming, and on-site global commissioning of modern vacuum process systems
- Conducted thorough control unit testing to ensure high reliability in production environments
- Developed interactive 3D visualizations to optimize usability and plant operations
- Clear technical documentation and smooth interface coordination
Internship Abroad · Fraunhofer Center for Laser and Coating Applications
02/2007 - 08/2007Lansing, USA
Voluntary internship abroad focused on the automation of a CVD coating system.
- Designed and programmed control systems for CVD plants using LabVIEW
- Gained hands-on automation and control engineering experience in an international research environment
Selected Projects
Albert – Enterprise AI & Risk Assessment Platform
Agent-based AI platform for automated analysis of technical documents, risk assessment, and generation of safety compliance documentation per machinery directives with RAG pipeline and interactive graph editor.
Web-Based Enterprise CRM System
High-performance CRM system with complex business logic, Elasticsearch integration for fast querying, and automated test suite.
Modular Frontend Application with Vue.js
Scalable web application with modern Vue.js & TypeScript stack, thorough TDD approach, and automated E2E testing.
Laboratory Information & Management System (LIMS)
Custom desktop and client-server system for demanding laboratory processes based on Domain-Driven Design (DDD).
Skills & Tech Stack
AI, Agentic AI & RAG
Programming Languages & Web
Frontend Frameworks & UI
Backend, APIs & Cloud
Testing & Quality Assurance
Architecture, DevOps & Methodologies
Education
Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) Information & Automation Engineering
09/2001 - 01/2007Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW Dresden) · Dresden, Germany
Focus: Computer Systems Engineering and Automation.
Certifications
AI Manager (Certified Professional Training)
Certified Training · 2024
REQB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering
REQB / Foundation Level · Certified
ISTQB Certified Tester
ISTQB / Foundation Level · Certified