About the Program

The Software and Data Engineering Technology (SDET) degree at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is an applied, industry-focused baccalaureate program that prepares students to design, build, and manage software-driven systems in technical and operational environments. With an emphasis on industry problem solving, hands-on learning, and emerging technologies, the program equips graduates with the applied skills needed to support the digital transformation of New Jersey’s industrial, health care, infrastructure, and energy sectors.

The SDET program is focused on meeting the industrial software and data demands of engineering, operational, and regulated domains. Graduates are especially trained to integrate software with physical systems in domains where reliability, safety, and technical interoperability are paramount.

The curriculum blends core competencies in programming, databases, cloud computing, and systems integration with applied knowledge in automation, control systems, operational technology (OT), and data workflows. Students are exposed to cyber-physical systems, embedded software, IoT architectures, and edge computing through project-based learning and industry partnerships.

Software and Data Engineering Technology Program Career Pathways

Graduates of the SDET program are uniquely positioned for high-demand roles that combine software, data, and systems thinking in operational environments. These careers are key to the modernization of fields such as smart manufacturing, healthcare technology, energy systems, surveying and geospatial analytics, and smart buildings. These career pathways include: 

• Systems Integrator: Designs and implements automation solutions that connect hardware, software, and control systems in industrial environments. Works with PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks to enable machine-to-enterprise integration.
• Automation Controls Engineer: Programs PLCs, configures HMIs, and optimizes control loops to automate production and process operations. Essential for modernizing manufacturing and enabling smart factory capabilities.
• Industrial Data Engineer: Builds data pipelines and analytics platforms that collect and process real-time data from machines, sensors, and field devices. Enables predictive maintenance and process optimization across industrial settings.
• • Consider adding the  Manufacturing Engineering Technology Minor to your plan of study.
• Embedded Software Technologist: Designs and programs firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices used in robotics, instrumentation, and control systems. Works at the intersection of hardware and real-time software systems.
• • Consider adding the  Drones & Robotics Minor  to your plan of study.
• Biomedical Software Technologist: Develops embedded software and analytics workflows for medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare automation systems. Operates in regulated environments requiring precision and compliance.
• • Consider adding the Biomedical Engineering Technology Minor to your plan of study.
• Smart Building Systems Engineer: Designs and integrates software systems for HVAC, lighting, energy management, access control, and occupant analytics in commercial and institutional buildings.
• • Consider adding the Advanced Building Systems Minor or Smart Living Technology Minor to your plan of study.
• Surveying and Geospatial Data Technologist: Processes and manages data from drones, LiDAR, GNSS, and total stations for surveying, civil engineering, construction, and environmental monitoring. Combines geospatial technologies with industrial data platforms.

Program Coordinator
Dr. Pramod Abichandani
Fenster Hall 216
Telephone: 973.596.6078
Email: pramod.abichandani@njit.edu

Program Advisor
Nisha Reyes
Telephone: 973-642-7155
Email: nisha.reyes@njit.edu

Important Links

• Program of Study
• Course Description and Syllabi
• Academic Advising
• SAET Student Information

Adjunct Faculty Employment Opportunities

Current employment opportunities can be viewed here.