Independent Contractor Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in New York

Summary/Primary Role:

This role owns the edge computing platform behind Brightcore EDGE, an on-premise industrial PC that runs our control and optimization algorithms at customer sites. This person selects, configures, and hardens the edge hardware and operating system; owns local data logging and edge compute architecture across all deployments; and establishes the hardware, OS, and security standards that scale to every future site. The role is defined by ownership and speed: take the problem end-to-end, buy the equipment, rapidly test and iterate. The platform must integrate cleanly with existing building management systems and meet the security expectations of mission-critical facilities such as data centers and financial institutions. 

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

(Management may amend or assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time)

Edge Platform Ownership 

• Select, configure, and harden the on-premise industrial PC platform that runs the EDGE control algorithm at customer sites.
• Establish the hardware and OS standards - imaging, provisioning, configuration management, remote access, and fleet update strategy - that scale to every future deployment.
• Own reliability of the edge platform in the field: watchdogs, failover behavior, offline operation, and recovery.

Data Logging & Edge Compute Architecture 

• Own local data logging and edge compute architecture across all deployments, including time-series storage, local buffering, and synchronization with cloud systems.
• Design the telemetry pipeline from building sensors and equipment through the edge device to the EDGE monitoring platform.

Building Management System Integration 

• Integrate the edge platform with existing building management systems using BACnet and/or Modbus (IP and serial), including point discovery, mapping, and gateway configuration.
• Work with customer facilities teams and controls contractors on BMS products from major vendors (e.g., Schneider Electric, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Automated Logic, Siemens).

Security & Hardening 

• Implement state-of-the-art security tooling and practices appropriate for mission-critical facilities such as data centers and banks - OS hardening, disk encryption, secure remote access, network segmentation, and patch management.
• Partner with customer IT/OT security teams to satisfy site security reviews and connectivity requirements.

Rapid Prototyping & Iteration 

• Take ownership of the problem and move quickly: specify and procure equipment, build test benches, and rapidly test and iterate.
• Convert working prototypes into documented, repeatable deployment standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Work with mechanical and HVAC engineers to implement optimization algorithms at the edge, translating control logic into reliable software running on site.
• Partner with the Brightcore EDGE monitoring team, BCE Design engineering, and business development across the deployment pipeline.
• Support field commissioning and troubleshooting at customer sites.
• All other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 5-8+ years in embedded systems, industrial controls, edge computing, or industrial IoT, with hands-on hardware responsibility.

• Deep experience with industrial PCs and Linux: OS configuration and hardening, networking, provisioning, and remote management.

• Working knowledge of BACnet and/or Modbus and experience integrating with building management or industrial control systems.

• Ability to implement modern security tooling for high-security environments - need not be a security expert, but must be able to select and deploy state-of-the-art practices for facilities like data centers and banks.

• Strong software skills in Python and/or C/C++; comfort with scripting, containerization (e.g., Docker), and version control.

• Bias to action: demonstrated ability to take an ambiguous problem, buy what is needed, and deliver a working prototype on an aggressive timeline without heavy supervision.
• Fluent with AI tools.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Expected Hours of Work & Compensation: 

An employee is expected to work a minimum of forty (40) hours per week. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws, while exempt employees may be required to work additional hours as necessary to fulfill their job responsibilities. Overtime requirements will be determined based on the operational needs of the organization. The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining an employee's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, and internal equity). Brightcore also offers a comprehensive set of benefits to complement the base salary. The base annual salary range for this position is $140,000-$170,000 and is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

Travel Requirements:  

• Office presence required at least three (3) days per week, unless otherwise agreed upon with final approval by direct supervisor.
• No additional travel required.

Work Environment:

• Office setting.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• This is not a safety sensitive position.