Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HVAC Developer

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a software developer with a passion for the physical world? This role requires a highly skilled and motivated HVAC Developer to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the heart of our mission to create smarter, more energy-efficient buildings. You will architect, code, and deploy the software that controls complex HVAC systems, integrates with IoT devices, and provides actionable insights through building management systems (BMS). This isn't just about writing code; it's about shaping the environments where people live and work, directly impacting sustainability, comfort, and operational efficiency. If you are excited by the challenge of bridging the gap between software engineering and mechanical systems, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Software Engineer (with an interest in IoT or industrial controls)
Controls Technician or Engineer (with strong programming skills)
Mechanical Engineer (with a software development focus)

Advancement To:

Senior HVAC Controls Developer / Lead Engineer
Building Automation Software Architect
Product Manager, Smart Buildings & IoT
Engineering Manager, Controls Software

Lateral Moves:

IoT Solutions Architect
Data Scientist (Energy Analytics)
Systems Integration Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and implement robust software for Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency of commercial HVAC equipment.
Program and configure building automation systems (BAS) using industry-standard tools and proprietary software platforms to meet specified sequences of operation.
Develop and maintain communication drivers and integrations for various industry protocols, including BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, and OPC UA.
Create intuitive and functional graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for building management systems, enabling facility managers to monitor and control their environment effectively.
Architect and develop software solutions that integrate HVAC controls with other building systems, such as lighting, access control, and fire safety.
Write, test, and debug firmware for embedded controllers and IoT devices used within the HVAC ecosystem.
Implement complex control logic and algorithms for advanced energy management strategies, such as demand response, optimal start/stop, and chiller plant optimization.
Collaborate with hardware and mechanical engineering teams to define control requirements and ensure seamless hardware-software integration.
Develop and manage APIs to facilitate data exchange between the BMS, cloud platforms, and third-party applications.
Implement data logging, storage, and retrieval strategies for historical trending and fault detection and diagnostics (FDD).
Create and execute unit, integration, and system-level testing plans to validate software functionality and system reliability.
Manage source code and software versions using Git, participating in code reviews to maintain high standards of code quality and consistency.
Provide high-level technical support for escalated software issues discovered in the field, working with service teams to troubleshoot and deploy fixes.
Author and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including software design specifications, sequence of operations, and user manuals.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and industry trends in building automation, IoT, and software development to drive innovation.
Participate in the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), from requirements gathering and conceptual design to deployment and long-term maintenance.

Secondary Functions

Support commissioning and field service teams by providing software expertise during project startups and system troubleshooting.
Contribute to the selection and evaluation of new hardware, software, and development tools to enhance our technology stack.
Mentor junior developers and technicians, sharing knowledge of control systems, programming best practices, and industry standards.
Collaborate with project managers to provide estimates for software development tasks and ensure project milestones are met on time.
Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives within an Agile/Scrum development framework.
Develop custom scripts and automation tools to improve engineering efficiency and streamline system deployment processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep proficiency in building automation protocols, especially BACnet (IP, MS/TP) and Modbus (TCP, RTU).
Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, Java, or C# for application and integration development.
Experience with DDC programming and configuration on platforms like Niagara Framework (Tridium), Siemens Desigo, Johnson Controls Metasys, or ALC WebCTRL.
Knowledge of web technologies (JavaScript, HTML5, CSS) and frameworks (React, Angular) for creating front-end interfaces.
Experience with database management, including SQL and NoSQL databases, for handling time-series data.
Familiarity with Linux environments, shell scripting, and embedded systems development (Embedded C/C++).
Understanding of IP networking principles (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, DHCP) and cybersecurity best practices for connected systems.
Experience with version control systems, primarily Git.
Knowledge of IoT platforms and cloud services (AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub) for data ingestion and device management.
Ability to read and interpret HVAC mechanical plans, electrical schematics, and control diagrams.
Experience with developing and consuming RESTful APIs for system integration.

Soft Skills

Analytical Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to diagnose complex technical issues spanning software, networking, and mechanical systems.
Strong Communication: Ability to clearly and concisely communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven track record of working effectively in cross-functional teams with hardware, mechanical, and project engineers.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to coding, testing, and documentation to ensure system reliability and safety.
Adaptability: Eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving industry standards and project requirements.
Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and take ownership of projects from start to finish.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (with significant software development experience)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of professional experience in software development, with a significant portion focused on control systems, building automation, or industrial IoT.

Preferred:

Direct experience programming and deploying projects using the Niagara N4/AX Framework.
Demonstrable portfolio of projects involving BACnet integration and custom control logic development.
Experience working for an HVAC equipment manufacturer, controls contractor, or a building technology company.
Certified Niagara AX/N4 Developer or other relevant industry certifications.
Experience in developing fault detection and diagnostic (FDD) or energy optimization algorithms.