Software Engineer - Special Projects and Innovation

SmartTech Contracting LLC

11d • $99,750 - $120,225 • Remote

About The Position

Smart Tech Contracting’s Special Projects and Innovation (SPI) group develops solutions beyond standard projects, including rapid proofs of concept, emerging technology evaluations, and monitoring and analytics platforms for critical facilities. The Special Projects Software Engineer designs, builds, and delivers software for these initiatives, spanning data pipelines and full-stack applications for AI-enabled data center monitoring through IoT sensor networks deployed in the field. The work can progress from initial concept to lab prototype and field pilot, covering sensors and gateways, edge compute, databases, HMIs and dashboards, and ML/AI-assisted analytics.

The position receives limited day-to-day direction and general instruction for new projects, tasks, or assignments. The engineer executes and assists team leadership with complex-scope work, independently or under limited supervision, while communicating and operating in alignment with organizational goals, values, and departmental objectives. The role is remote within the United States, with travel to job sites and lab environments, up to 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of hands-on software development experience, including work with industrial automation, IoT, or building systems data.
• Intermediate-level full-stack software development skills, including scripting languages (Python preferred), APIs, and application frameworks.
• Intermediate-level data engineering skills, including data structures, relational, vector, and time-series databases, and data pipeline design.
• Experience with systems integration using standard protocols, including Modbus, BACnet/IP, MQTT (Sparkplug B), OPC UA, and LoRaWAN.
• Knowledge of network fundamentals including TCP/IP, HTTP/REST, routing, VLANs, VPNs, and multi-WAN connectivity.
• Familiarity with SCADA/BAS platforms sufficient to integrate with them and consume their data.
• Experience integrating ML models and AI/LLM services into applications and workflows.
• Ability to create system architecture diagrams using tools such as draw.io or Lucidchart.
• Familiarity with workflow automation software such as n8n or Microsoft Power Automate.
• Experience with source control (Git), ticketing tools (Jira/Azure DevOps), and basic Linux/Windows server administration.
• Experience with controls wiring and hands-on hardware prototyping in lab environments.
• Knowledge of VLANs, LANs, VPNs, RSTP, IoT, and smart building solutions.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and file management.
• Ability to work remotely with effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness, resourcefulness, and a distraction-free workspace.
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements.
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation.
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for both technical and non-technical information.
• Ability to communicate directly with stakeholders and at times serve as the primary client contact.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member with moderate supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.
• Ability to achieve NFPA70E and/or OSHA training certification if required.
• Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• On-site startup/commissioning experience.
• Project management (RND).
• Ability to travel up to 25%, potentially to any or all 50 U.S. states; a valid REAL ID or acceptable alternative such as a passport is required for air travel associated with the position effective May 7, 2025.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant software development, networking, cloud, or data engineering certifications.

Responsibilities

• Design and build full-stack applications and data pipelines to collect, store, trend, and analyze field data from monitoring systems.
• Develop Python scripts, APIs, and database schemas for rapid proofs of concept and pilot deployments.
• Build HMIs, dashboards, and alarming using modern web frameworks and visualization tools.
• Integrate ML inference and AI/LLM components into deliverable products.
• Research incoming initiatives and compare hardware and software solution options.
• Develop system architecture diagrams using UML (ISO/IEC 19501).
• Estimate budgets using bills of materials, parts lists, resource options, schedules, and human resource requirements.
• Assist with building and testing physical systems in lab environments, including sensors, gateways, network equipment, and edge compute.
• Travel to job sites to assist with site surveys, system integration, and field pilots.
• Connect devices and systems using industrial and network protocols such as Modbus, BACnet/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, and LoRaWAN.
• Draft summary reports and present during regular project updates.
• Document solutions for product delivery and facilitate handoff of mature initiatives to long-term owners.
• Support project postmortems and lessons-learned reviews.
• Use AI-enabled and digital tools to improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and support consistent, high-quality work.
• Identify process improvement opportunities, pursue new technologies and skills, and support adoption of innovative tools and digital workflows.
• Complete assigned tasks and deliverables on time and on budget.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans, including two PPO-style plans and an HDHP with HSA option.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible spouses/domestic partners and dependent children up to age 26.
• 401(k) with company match and self-directed brokerage account option.
• PTO, including additional paid time off during the last week of the year.
• Company-paid life insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Short- and long-term disability and AD&D coverage.
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional licensing assistance.
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level