Entry Level Software Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Salary: $46,251.00 - $58,970.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500319
Department: PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION
Division: TRAFFIC ENGINEERING & OPS
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Pay Grade: 110
Description
This position maintains, repairs and programs traffic control devices and mobile communications equipment; performs general electrical maintenance and repair work; and performs related duties as required. The incumbent works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.
The work is considered medium in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, stretching or lifting all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.
The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, adverse weather conditions, wetness and humidity, traffic, extreme noise levels, vibration, moving machinery, electrical shock; and involves heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to my co-workers or others.
Essential Job Functions

• Maintains, tests and repairs traffic control devices and mobile communications equipment and monitors other equipment;
• Installs, programs and tests mobile and fixed radios and accessories;
• Performs preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment;
• Programs and tests controllers and coordinates timing as directed by engineers;
• Inspects field work to ensure proper installation of devices;
• Assists in troubleshooting problems with devices as reported by electricians;
• Performs general electrical repair work for other divisions and departments;
• Maintains assigned vehicles, tools and equipment;
• Prepares and maintains detailed work records and reports;
• Receives and responds to inquiries and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility; investigates and resolves public complaints;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to completing forms and records, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, attending meetings, etc.;
• Attends meetings, workshops, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Works outside regular work schedule to include on call, holidays, nights, and weekends, as needed; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• Associate's degree in electrical or electronic maintenance and repair, or a closely related field and some relevant prior experience; or
• Three (3) years of prior experience in a related field;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;
• May have IMSA level 2 certification;
• Availability to work on call, holidays, nights, and weekends, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Ability to compute or perform arithmetic operations using data or information;
• Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as traffic control devices, electrical / electronic equipment or the application of custom or commercial software or systems; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure;
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01
Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree

03
How many years of relevant experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Over 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
• Over 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• Over 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• Over 5 years of experience

04
Do you have availability to work on call, holidays. nights, and weekends, as needed?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have a IMSA Certification?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have a IMSA Level 2 Certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question