Software Engineer

SUMMARY:

The Software Engineer designs, develops, and supports the mission-critical technology systems essential to the operations of South Sound 911 and its partner agencies. This role ensures the reliability, security, and continuous improvement of key applications, including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), and custom-developed software. By blending expertise in full stack software development, data analysis, and application support, this position delivers robust technical solutions to first responders and administrative staff, directly contributing to public safety and operational excellence.

Please see our Technology Team Values and Tenets here: SS911 Technology Team Values and Tenets

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The core duties of this role are grouped into four primary functions. Responsibilities will scale in complexity and scope with seniority.

• Software Development & Automation
• Design, develop, and implement full stack solutions and new features for in-house and third-party public safety applications.
• Maintain and refactor existing codebases to improve performance, scalability, and security.
• Create and manage automated solutions, including scripts and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to streamline business processes and improve efficiency.
• Participate in all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including requirements gathering, coding, code reviews, testing, release management, deployment and sustained engineering.
• Innovation & Strategy
• Proactively identify, research, and advocate for opportunities to improve system performance, streamline processes, and enhance user experience through innovative application of technology.
• As a Senior or Lead Engineer, contribute to technology strategy planning, help define long-term architectural roadmaps, and evaluate emerging technologies for their impact on public safety operations.
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Write complex SQL queries to retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data from various system databases and data warehouses.
• Develop and manage recurring and ad hoc reports using business intelligence tools (e.g., SQL Server Reporting Services).
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of data within core systems and assist stakeholders with data-related investigations and requests.
• Project & Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to analyze business needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Manage technical projects of varying sizes, coordinating resources, timelines, and communications from initiation to completion.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, training materials, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Provide training to end-users and technical staff on system functionality and best practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Fluent use of the English language, to include the ability to understand written and verbal instructions, understand and interpret complex rules and procedures, explain services, projects, programs and resources
• Communicate orally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Ability to work appropriately with confidential material and information.
• Ability to use technical skills to work with current technological tools and perform basic problem solving; work with a wide variety of data-driven applications, including service-based, client-side and web applications; use independent judgment and initiative when working alone, as well as appropriately utilize the expertise of colleagues.
• Develop effective working relationships with peers, senior staff and customers.
• Proficient with standard suite of Microsoft Office software and database applications, peripheral equipment, phone system.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in problem solving and decision-making.
• Organize work with many interruptions and multiple tasks to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to travel to other local locations in a timely manner, as needed for performance of the job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Baseline Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related STEM field, or equivalent practical work experience.

• Core Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in an object-oriented programming language (e.g., C#/.NET, Java).

• Experience with SQL scripting and database management concepts.
• Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and structured development environments.
• Foundational knowledge of system administration, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in a public safety or government IT environment.
• Direct experience with CAD or RMS applications.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Experience with reporting tools (SSRS, Crystal Reports) or RPA platforms.

Leadership Values

• People First: We build strong teams, empower individuals, and foster a culture of open communication and trust.
• Purpose-Driven: Our work is rooted in public service and a commitment to making a positive impact on our community.
• Integrity Always: We operate with honesty, transparency, and unshakable ethical principles.
• Excellence in Action: We are driven to achieve measurable, high-quality outcomes and operational excellence.
• Continuous Improvement: We are lifelong learners dedicated to the growth of ourselves and our team.

CAREER LADDER AND LEVELING CRITERIA:

This career ladder defines the progression of scope, impact, and leadership within the Software Engineer role.

Level I: Associate Software Engineer

• Focus: Learning and execution of defined tasks under supervision.
• Scope: Works on specific features, bug fixes, or system configuration tasks. Assists with testing, documentation, and responding to basic support tickets.
• Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience.

Level II: Software Engineer

• Focus: Independent contribution and ownership.
• Scope: Manages small-to-medium sized projects or system components. Designs and implements solutions with general oversight. Can independently administer a core system and troubleshoot most common issues.
• Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience.

Level III: Senior Software Engineer

• Focus: Technical leadership, mentorship, and solving complex, ambiguous problems.
• Scope: Leads the technical design and architecture for major projects. Mentors junior team members. Leads the research, evaluation, and strategic planning for new technologies and architectural patterns. Handles the most complex technical support escalations and system integrations.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience with demonstrated technical depth.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The agency operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year and work may be required at any time. Office environment with frequent interruptions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. This position will interact with employees and customers on a daily basis. Office environment is subject to 24/7 emergency call out and traveling to different locations to conduct work.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a computer terminal, frequent

walking both indoors and out; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently

required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, or kneel. The

employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job

include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee(s) in this job title. The statements are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employee(s) in this job title. Furthermore, the job description does not establish a contract of employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the agency.