IT Analyst/Programmer II

IT Analyst/Programmer II

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Software Engineer/Programmer

Type: Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Location: Raleigh, NC or Beltsville, MD

Essential Job Duties:
The IT Analyst/Programmer II will develop, test, and implement software solutions to integrate hardware components for researchers at the Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI). The successful candidate will design custom software to incorporate sensors into IoT systems and create data pipelines that integrate edge, cloud, and on-premises computing resources. This role involves managing multiple interns who will contribute to software development along specific pathways, including a Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) pathway. This pathway will bridge ongoing work in computer vision and embedded software within PSI, as well as data infrastructure efforts being developed in partnership with NC Ag Analytics. The IT Analyst/Programmer II will collaborate with researchers and staff involved in PSI's grant-funded projects to support the integration of hardware into systems for field agricultural applications. The position requires hands-on testing, documentation of progress, and development of training materials. Additionally, the incumbent will train and manage undergraduate student interns, create and maintain online resources for external users, and ensure documentation is accessible once products are released.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, test, and implement software solutions to integrate hardware components for researchers within the Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI).
• Design and build custom software to incorporate sensors into IoT systems, and create scalable data pipelines that integrate edge, cloud, and on-premises computing environments.
• Lead and manage multiple undergraduate student interns contributing to software development efforts, including oversight of a dedicated Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) pathway.
• Support and advance ongoing work in computer vision, embedded systems, and data infrastructure in collaboration with PSI teams and NC Ag Analytics partners.
• Collaborate with researchers and staff on grant-funded projects to integrate hardware into field-ready agricultural systems.
• Conduct hands-on hardware and software testing to ensure system reliability and performance in real-world agricultural environments.
• Document technical progress, develop user guides, and create training materials to support the adoption and long-term sustainability of developed systems.
• Develop and maintain online resources and documentation for external users, ensuring accessibility and usability following product release.
• Provide mentorship, technical training, and performance oversight for undergraduate interns.

Technical Systems Architecture & Development

• Lead the design, development, testing, and implementation of software solutions integrating hardware components for PSI research initiatives.
• Architect and maintain IoT systems incorporating sensors, embedded devices, and scalable data pipelines across edge, cloud, and on-premises environments.
• Develop and operationalize Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) workflows that support computer vision and data-driven agricultural research.
• Ensure system reliability, scalability, and performance through hands-on testing and continuous integration of hardware and software systems.
• Align infrastructure development with institutional data initiatives, including collaboration with NC Ag Analytics.

Research Integration & Field Application

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams on grant-funded projects to translate research objectives into deployable technical solutions.
• Integrate hardware and software systems for field-based agricultural applications, ensuring functionality in real-world environments.
• Provide technical leadership in bridging embedded systems, IoT platforms, and data infrastructure to support PSI's research mission.
• Document technical progress and contribute to deliverables supporting grant reporting and project milestones.

Program Leadership, Training & Knowledge Dissemination

• Supervise and mentor undergraduate student interns contributing to software development, including oversight of a structured MLOps pathway.
• Assign, coordinate, and evaluate intern work to ensure alignment with research and infrastructure goals.
• Develop comprehensive documentation, training materials, and user resources to support the adoption and long-term sustainability of developed systems.
• Create and maintain accessible online documentation and external-facing resources to ensure continued usability following product release.

This position will be located in Raleigh, NC, or Beltsville, MD. The selected candidate is required to relocate to one of these duty stations.

Other Work/Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/Education: Master's degree and at least one year of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant experience OR An equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with software development and systems integration
• Familiarity with IoT systems and sensor integration
• Knowledge of edge, cloud, and on-premises computing systems
• Experience with data pipelines and software testing
• Ability to manage and mentor interns and students
• Strong communication skills for documentation and external user support

Preferred Qualifications: A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.

Required License or Certification: N/A