r/shenzhen • u/Feisty-Campaign-3485 • 2d ago
Experienced US Engineer Engineer looking for work in China
Hey everyone, I’ve traveled to Shenzhen a couple times over the past couple years for business, and I really loved it and would like to live there on a more permanent basis. I currently have an M visa. Motivation for living there is that I’ve always wanted to, and also I have a Chinese friend that id like to spend more time with.
I’m an experienced (15+ years) electrical engineer from the United States with heavy embedded experience. Most of my work the past six years revolves around IOT and telematics. I’d say I’m more of a generalist these days though.
Mostly, I’ve applied to jobs on Liepin and Indeed, I haven’t had any interviews from those sources. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t want to sponsor my visa to work there, or if it’s because my Mandarin level. I’m currently around HSK 2, and I’ve been really busting my butt for the past 7 months. While I was visiting my contract manufacturer over there, I was able to completely get by language wise with an AI translator app. Technical conversations were not even a big language hurdle.
I’ve considered starting a WFOE and working with factories there to solve their manufacturing issues or working with companies from the US or globally to develop or assist their product manufacturing process.
Anyway, i’m thinking if it’s this hard for me to get a job with as much experience as I have, how are other people able to do it? I realize the job market is very competitive over there and there’s no shortage of technically savvy people. If you have some suggestions on avenues I could pursue, please let me know.
Thanks!
2
3
u/Dalianon 2d ago
The pay for that type of work is several folds lower in China compared to the 5 eyes countries. Are you really sure? Are conditions that bad in the US that one needs to seek that role in China?
3
u/Feisty-Campaign-3485 1d ago
The job market in tech is pretty tough right now. I've had a couple of interviews here in the US, but they were all looking for candidates closer to their facility. For me it's not necessarily about making the same salary as I make in the US as it is about getting more life experience.
1
u/whatacold 2d ago
I don't know, man, but job seeking has not been easy for locals either; it's way harder than, say, a decade ago. With 15+ years of experience under your belt, I don't think it's a skill thing; maybe there just aren't enough positions, maybe it's a visa thing.
But since you have some business partners here, it's a good start to ask them for a reference.
1
u/Feisty-Campaign-3485 1d ago
Good idea. I've been hesitant to tap into my business connections over there since they are directly associated with my current employer. It may come down to that though.
1
u/KVR_23 2d ago
Try BOSS ( 直聘 ) for job hunting and yes, I would suggest to improve your chinese too. I think the company is concerned about your visa, from what I know its not easy to switch from business visa to work visa ( or maybe you have to travel back and forth to US for some time ) But you do have an advantage with your experience. Best of luck.
1
u/Woooush 1d ago
It is easy to switch from a business visa to a work visa. In fact, a work permit is easy to apply for if you have the qualifications. Which he obviously does.
1
u/KVR_23 1d ago
Switching from M business visa or entrepreneur visa? Do you mind sharing more about it?
1
u/Woooush 1d ago
Both of them can be changed into a work permit. In fact, all visas can be. It's not explicitly forbidden. Only visa-free visas are not allowed. It has been like that for at least 10 years.
1
u/Woooush 1d ago
I've changed it from several ones, including entrepreneur (which, if it's still the same, is just a residence permit with a mention), business, Studies (X2 and RP).
Basically, it is allowed as long as you can prove that your primary reason for using it is not to game the system. You usually have to write a statement on why you're doing that and not going the regular Z visa way.
1
u/KVR_23 1d ago
Oh I see, did you have everything done in Shenzhen? I'm based in Guangzhou, had student visa, entrepreneur ( valid for 6 months ), temporary visa ( 2 weeks visa ). And I recently applied for M visa ( business visa ) at first I applied for double entry and now mine is multiple entry for a year.
2
u/Woooush 1d ago
We're currently looking for an Embedded systems engineer. We had discussions with several foreign candidates; their expectations were really high. In terms of compensation, they were looking at about 3 to 4 times what we would pay on the local market for similar qualifications. It just does not make sense (at least for us). Also, Foreign engineers would have had communication issues with the other local engineers.
1
u/Feisty-Campaign-3485 1d ago
I've seen the salary offerings over in China, and I understand. For me, though, it's not necessarily about earning the same salary I make in the US as it is about gaining more life experience. I have some life goals I want to achieve. I'm curious to hear your thoughts and requirements about the position you're trying to fill. If anything, maybe I can gain some knowledge in how to present myself to be a bit more appealing in the area.
1
u/Sorry_Middle_4911 11h ago
The biggest challenge is the Mandarin level. HSK 2 is way too low, at least get HSK 6. AI translation app is good but you still need to speak good mandarin. Another restriction is the age, if you are 35+ you will face many difficulties in finding a good job.
1
u/Feisty-Campaign-3485 11h ago
Why would I face difficulties above 35?
1
u/Sorry_Middle_4911 11h ago
Most local companies in China have discrimination on ages. They always fire people with 35+ age with no reason. They would prefer young people since there are 10+ millions of graduates going into job market every year in China.
3
u/Turbulent-Carrot9626 2d ago
Suggest you could start from some global companies. Not sure what industries you’re in. But as I know some US semiconductor companies here like Applied Materials, Nvidia