Lead Software Engineer

Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) as a Lead Software Engineer where you will help shape the future of power system event analysis. The Synchrowave software team builds advanced tools that engineers around the world rely on to understand, diagnose, and improve power system performance.

In this role you will collaborate with developers, engineers, and UX designers to develop new products that automate event analysis, locate faults and prevent outages. Your work will play a key role in ensuring that Synchrowave products deliver accurate, reliable, and intuitive analyses to engineers who depend on SEL solutions every day. If you’re passionate about applying your software development skillset to create high‑impact software tools that transform the way engineers analyze faults, we would be excited to welcome you to the Synchrowave team.

A typical day as a Lead Software Engineer might include:

• Designing and building features that automate power system event analysis, including fault location algorithms, waveform visualization, and reporting.

• Leading technical design discussions, writing design documents, and making architectural decisions that balance performance, maintainability, and usability.

• Mentoring developers on software design patterns and domain concepts.

• Collaborating with protection engineers and UX designers to translate complex workflows into intuitive software experiences.

• Investigating and resolving challenging technical issues

This job might be for you if:

• You have 8+ years of professional software development experience, with demonstrated technical leadership, working knowledge and experience of electric power systems or other transferable knowledge and industry experience.

• You are proficient in multiple programming languages and have experience building desktop or web applications with complex data processing.

• You write clean, testable code and champion engineering best practices such as automated testing, continuous integration, and iterative delivery.

• You communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders and can translate requirements into well-structured software designs.

• You have experience leading or mentoring a team of developers.

It is a plus if you have:

• Domain knowledge of electric power systems, protection and control, automation, and data analytics.

• Experience with full-stack development.

• Familiarity with containerization and microservice architectures.

• Experience efficiently applying AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, AI code review, AI-driven testing) to accelerate software delivery while maintaining code quality.

• Understanding of how to evaluate and integrate AI/ML capabilities into product features.

• Experience in electrical utilities, consulting, or system integration.

• Extensive experience with power systems and customers.

• Working knowledge of Vision or other PM Tracking Software.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Develop engineers, specialists, and technicians; serve as a technical expert in software design and application for automation solutions.

• Research, innovate, and develop new solutions and processes.

• Review, approve, and complete scopes, budgets, and schedules with a high standard of quality.

• Lead project planning and support customers in design, configuration, validation, and deployment of solutions.

• Model and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing principles.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications Include:

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• Willingness to travel occasionally.

• Background check results satisfactory to SEL.

• Negative drug test result(s).

Location - Pullman, WA

This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

• We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

• We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

• We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

• We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

• Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data -$121,000 - $181,500 annually

We set starting pay based on job-related factors such as your experience, training, knowledge, and skills. We are looking to fill this position at the Lead level, and we welcome applicants with a range of experience. Depending on your background, we may consider you for a different level, with compensation aligned accordingly.

Lead Software Engineer: $102,500 - $153,700 annually

Development Lead Engineer: $121,000 - $181,500 annually

Senior Software Engineer: $142,800 - $214,100 annually

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.