Building Automation R&D Software Engineer

About ABB

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Position Overview

• Reports to: R&D Department/Local Unit Lead SBBA China
• Work model: Onsite
• Division: Smart Building division in China

About the Role

We are currently seeking an engineer with expertise in the field of Building Management System (BMS) and experience in developing upper-level software. The candidate will be responsible for designing and developing the core management software for the building automation system. They will lead the system integration based on the BACNET protocol, the design of microservice architecture, and the development of cross-platform desktop applications (Electron), ensuring that the upper-level system can efficiently monitor, manage data, and control building equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Requirements Analysis and System Design

• Understand the requirements of the building automation business and design the overall architecture of the upper-level machine software, including the front-end interface, communication module, data processing and the microservice backend
• Lead integration solution for the BACNET protocol with other industrial protocols (such as Modbus, OPC UA)
• Enable real-time collection and control of device data

Software Development and Implementation

• Develop a cross-platform (Windows/MacOS) upper-level machine monitoring interface based on the Electron framework
• Implement the interaction logic using front-end technologies such as React/Vue
• Design and develop the backend services of microservice architecture, responsible for core modules such as device management, data storage, and alarm processing
• Develop the BACNET protocol stack or integrate existing libraries to achieve communication and protocol parsing with building equipment (such as air conditioning, lighting, and energy systems)

System Integration and Testing

• Collaborate with teams to complete joint debugging of the upper computer system with on-site controllers and sensors, ensuring the stability of data transmission
• Design and develop test cases, optimize system performance, and solve technical issues such as compatibility and real-time performance

Technical Optimization and Maintenance

• Continuously optimize the software architecture to enhance the system's scalability, security and user experience
• Write technical documents (such as interface documents and development guidelines)
• Provide technical support to the team

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or above, majoring in Computer Science, Automation, Building Automation Control, etc.
• More than 3 years of software development experience in building automation (BMS) or industrial automation field
• Familiar with BMS system architecture (such as distributed monitoring, data center management)

Protocol and Communication Technology

• Deep understanding of the BACNET protocol (ANSI/ASHRAE 135)
• Experience in protocol development or integration
• Familiar with industrial communication methods such as TCP/IP and serial communication
• Experience with protocols like Modbus and MQTT (preferred)

Software Development Capability

• Proficient in the Electron framework and extensive experience in developing cross-platform desktop applications
• Proficient in the front-end technology stack (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML5, CSS3)
• Familiar with frameworks such as React/Vue
• Familiar with microservice architecture design
• Proficient in technologies such as Spring Cloud, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Ability to develop the backend (such as Node.js, Java, Python)
• Familiar with database design (MySQL/PostgreSQL/time-series databases)

Other Skills

• Excellent problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities
• Capable of independently analyzing complex system issues
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently with hardware, testing and other teams
• Strong sense of self-motivation and constantly seeks more efficient and optimized solutions

Bonus Points

• Familiar with IoT protocols such as OPC UA and Matter
• Experience in developing industrial visualizations (such as ECharts, D3.js)
• Understanding of energy management systems (EMS) and building energy efficiency analysis with relevant project experience
• Experience in contributing to open-source projects or writing technical blogs

Technical Stack Reference

Front-end/Desktop Development

• Electron, React/Vue, TypeScript, Webpack, Electron Builder

Back-end/Microservices

• Node.js/Java, Spring Cloud, Docker, Kafka/RabbitMQ

Protocols and Tools

• BACNET Stack (such as JythonBACnet, node-bacnet), Wireshark, BACnet testing tools

Database

• MySQL/PostgreSQL, InfluxDB/TimescaleDB (time series data)

Deployment and Operations

• Docker Compose, Kubernetes, CI/CD processes

Work Environment

• Work closely with application engineers and product managers in the field of building automation to promote the implementation of intelligent building solutions
• Support on-site debugging and alignment with customer requirements (based on project needs)

What's in it for you?

We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You'll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that's tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.

Benefits

ABB provides competitive benefits, ask us!

About ABB Smart Buildings

ABB Smart Buildings enables optimization of energy efficiency, safety, security and comfort for any building type, through new installations or retrofit solutions. The Division offers integrated digital technologies to control HVAC, lighting, shutters, and security, in addition to energy distribution solutions including DIN rail products, enclosures and emergency lighting through to industrial plugs and sockets and conventional wiring accessories, accommodating for single family homes, multiple dwellings, commercial buildings, infrastructure and industrial applications.

The Division's highly innovative technologies and digital solutions serve rising global demand among real estate developers, owners, and investors for smart building technologies that optimize energy distribution and building automation. The scalable solutions aim to deliver significant sustainable and financial benefits, meeting social and environmental demands, while being able to address even the most complex of customers' carbon reduction strategies.

Join Us

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.

Working at ABB gives you the opportunity to contribute to a healthier and more prosperous world. Add to your story by joining a passionate team, focused on pushing the boundaries of technology to drive performance, shape new business models and create sustainable solutions.