R&D Software Engineer

About ABB

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This Position reports to: R&D Department/Local Unit Lead SBBA China

What We Believe In

At ABB, we are dedicated to addressing global challenges. Our core values: care, courage, curiosity, and collaboration - combined with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities - are key drivers in our aim to empower everyone to create sustainable solutions. That's our story. Make it your story.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As an R&D Software Engineer, you will be a key player in the Building Automation R&D team. We are seeking an engineer with expertise in Building Management Systems (BMS) and experience in developing upper-level software. You will be responsible for designing and developing the core management software for the building automation system, leading system integration based on the BACNET protocol, designing microservice architecture, and developing cross-platform desktop applications (Electron). Your work will ensure the upper-level system efficiently monitors, manages data, and controls building equipment.

The work model for the role is: onsite

This role is contributing to the Smart Building division in China.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Requirements Analysis and System Design: Understand building automation business requirements, design the overall architecture of the upper-level machine software, including front-end interface, communication module, data processing, and microservice backend. Lead integration solutions for the BACNET protocol with other industrial protocols (such as Modbus, OPC UA) to 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, implementing interaction logic using front-end technologies like React/Vue. Design and develop backend services using microservice architecture, responsible for core modules such as device management, data storage, and alarm processing. Develop the BACNET protocol stack or integrate existing libraries for communication and protocol parsing with building equipment (e.g., air conditioning, lighting, energy systems).
• System Integration and Testing: Collaborate with the team to complete joint debugging of the upper computer system with on-site controllers and sensors, ensuring stable data transmission. Design and develop test cases, optimize system performance, and solve technical issues like compatibility and real-time performance.
• Technical Optimization and Maintenance: Continuously optimize software architecture to enhance system scalability, security, and user experience. Responsible for writing technical documents (e.g., interface documents, development guidelines) and providing technical support to the team.

Qualifications For The Role

Professional background and industry knowledge of cyber security, and:

• 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 (e.g., distributed monitoring, data center management).
• Protocol and Communication Technology: Deep understanding of the BACNET protocol (ANSI/ASHRAE 135) and experience in protocol development or integration. Familiar with industrial communication methods such as TCP/IP and serial communication; familiarity with Modbus and MQTT protocols is a plus.
• Software Development Capability: Proficient in the Electron framework and extensive experience in developing cross-platform desktop applications. Proficient in front-end technology stack (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML5, CSS3) and familiar with frameworks such as React/Vue. Familiar with microservice architecture design and proficient in technologies like Spring Cloud, Docker, and Kubernetes. Ability to develop backend (e.g., Node.js, Java, Python) and familiar with database design (MySQL/PostgreSQL/time-series databases).
• Other Skills: Excellent problem-solving and logical thinking abilities, capable of independently analyzing complex system issues. Excellent teamwork and communication skills, able to work efficiently with hardware, testing, and other teams. Strong self-motivation to seek efficient and optimized solutions.
• Bonus points: Familiar with IoT protocols like OPC UA and Matter, or experience in developing industrial visualizations (e.g., ECharts, D3.js). Understanding of energy management systems (EMS) and building energy efficiency analysis, with relevant project experience. Experience 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 (e.g., 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 building automation to promote 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!

More About Us

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.

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. #MyABBStory

Key skills/competency

• Building Automation (BMS)
• BACNET Protocol
• Microservice Architecture
• Electron Framework
• Cross-platform Desktop Development
• React/Vue.js
• Node.js/Java/Python Backend
• Docker & Kubernetes
• MySQL/PostgreSQL
• System Integration