Software Engineer - Special Projects and Innovation

Position Title: Special Projects Software Engineer - Special Projects and Innovation

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States, with travel to job sites and lab environments

JOB SUMMARY

Smart Tech Contracting delivers turnkey BAS & EPMS solutions for mission-critical colocation and hyperscale data centers operating at national program scale. As a Master Systems Integrator (MSI), we unify controls construction (DDC, PLC, SCADA) with software engineering, optimized graphics / UI standards, and program-level governance. The Special Projects and Innovation (SPI) group is where we pursue the ideas that do not fit inside a standard project: rapid proofs of concept, emerging technology evaluations, and first-of-their-kind monitoring and analytics platforms for critical facilities.

As a Special Projects Software Engineer you will design, build, and deliver the software behind SPI initiatives, from data pipelines and full-stack applications for AI-enabled data center monitoring to IoT sensor networks that stand up in the field in hours. You will take initiatives from whiteboard concept through lab prototype to field pilot, working across the full stack: sensors and gateways, edge compute, databases, HMIs and dashboards, and ML/AI-assisted analytics.

The Special Projects Software Engineer will receive limited direction on day-to-day work and general instruction on new projects, tasks or assignments. Will execute and assist team leadership on projects, tasks or assignments of complex scope. Will work independently or under limited supervision.

This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Software Development and Prototyping (40%)

• Design and build full-stack applications and data pipelines that collect, store, trend, and analyze field data from monitoring systems
• Develop Python scripts, APIs, and database schemas supporting rapid proof-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 and Feasibility (20%)

• Ingest and evaluate unique initiatives; research and compare hardware and software solution options
• Develop system architecture diagrams using UML (ISO/IEC 19501)
• Estimate budgets using BOMs, parts lists, resource options, schedules, and human resource requirements

Implementation and Integration (20%)

• Assist with the building and testing of 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 (Modbus, BACnet/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, LoRaWAN)

Documentation, Reporting, and Lifecycle (10%)

• 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 for continuous program improvement

Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency (10%)

• Leverage AI-enabled and digital tools to enhance efficiency, reduce manual effort, and support consistent, high-quality work output
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and demonstrate a continuous learning mindset, seeking out new technologies, skills, and methods that elevate individual and team performance
• Adapt to emerging technologies and evolving digital workflows, actively supporting the integration and adoption of innovative tools across the organization

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)

• Full-stack software development, including scripting languages (Python preferred), APIs, and application frameworks
• Data engineering: data structures, relational, vector, and time-series databases, and data pipeline design
• Systems integration using standard protocols: Modbus, BACnet/IP, MQTT (Sparkplug B), OPC UA, and LoRaWAN
• Network fundamentals: 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
• Integration of ML models and AI/LLM services into applications and workflows
• System architecture diagramming using tools such as draw.io or Lucidchart
• Workflow automation software such as n8n or Microsoft Power Automate
• Source control (Git), ticketing (Jira/Azure DevOps), basic Linux/Windows server admin
• Controls wiring and hands-on hardware prototyping in lab environments
• Knowledge of VLANs, LANs, VPNs and RSTP
• Knowledge of IoT and smart building solutions
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), knowledge of file management
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in 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
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with stakeholders and at times serve as primary point of client contact
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently 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 certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 25%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline

PLUS

• 5+ years hands-on software development experience, including work with industrial automation, IoT, or building systems data
• On-site startup/commissioning experience
• Project management (RND)
• Certifications (preferred): relevant software development, networking, cloud, or data engineering credentials

BENEFITS

Smart Tech Contracting offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k 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 their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

The pay range for this role is:

99,750 - 120,225 USD per year (Remote (United States))