Senior Software Engineer

• Contract to 30 June 2027 with 2 x 12-month extension options.
• Based in Canberra, ACT with hybrid working arrangements.
• Must be able to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance.

Security

The successful candidate must be able to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance.

Senior Software Engineer

Software Engineers have experience overseeing software development projects, writing optimised code, and providing technical leadership to a team of software engineers. They are responsible for the quality and functionality of the software produced by their team. The Specified Personnel will provide senior software engineering services, delivering secure, scalable and resilient cloud-native solutions across AWS technologies. Working within multi-disciplinary Agile teams, they will design, develop, deploy, maintain and optimise cloud-based applications, integrations, APIs, serverless services and containerised workloads. The resource will deliver solutions aligned with business requirements, enterprise architecture standards, security policies and AWS best practices, providing technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle from design through deployment and operational support.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Design and develop cloud-native applications, APIs, microservices and integration services using Java, Python, Node.js, JavaScript, TypeScript and modern cloud frameworks hosted on AWS.
• Build event-driven, serverless and containerised solutions leveraging AWS services including Lambda, ECS, EKS, API Gateway, EventBridge, SNS, SQS and Step Functions.
• Design and provision AWS infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code, including Terraform, CloudFormation and AWS CDK, in accordance with security, governance and operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines to automate testing, deployment, release and infrastructure provisioning processes across development, test and production environments.
• Develop reusable cloud components, services and deployment patterns that support multiple business initiatives and improve delivery capability.
• Translate business requirements and user stories into high-quality, secure, scalable and resilient cloud-based software solutions.
• Perform testing, code reviews and quality assurance including unit, integration and automated testing and defect resolution.
• Investigate, analyse and resolve production incidents, defects and performance issues.
• Collaborate on technical design and architecture, including solution design workshops, architecture reviews and cloud governance forums.
• Provide specialist technical advice on AWS technologies, cloud-native architecture patterns and emerging cloud capabilities to guide solution design decisions.
• Communicate technical concepts and architecture decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders and build effective relationships with business, technical teams and delivery partners.
• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies and contemporary delivery practices to support successful cloud solution delivery.
• Transfer skills and knowledge to departmental staff and ensure appropriate documentation is stored in accordance with the Department's recordkeeping policy and practices.

Deliverables

• Solution Designs
• Cloud Architecture Diagrams
• API Specifications
• Infrastructure-as-Code Artefacts
• Operational Runbooks
• Deployment Guides
• Support Documentation
• Functional and Non-Functional Specifications

About The Team

Risk, Data & Insight Systems (RDIS) Branch, within Strategy Digital & Data Division, plays a key role in delivering and maintaining critical ICT systems capabilities and projects across Home Affairs, Australian Border Force and National Emergency Management Agency. RDIS manages the development and operations of sensitive and operational ICT capabilities across critical infrastructure, data applications, emergency management, maritime domain awareness, traveller, cargo and visa risk management, situational awareness and enterprise platforms.

About The Project

The project is a strategic Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force initiative to modernise the Australian Maritime Identification System, a critical national capability supporting maritime border surveillance, threat detection, operational decision-making and response planning. The project will establish a secure, scalable, cloud-based platform that ingests and processes large volumes of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance data from aerial, maritime, government and commercial sources. The solution will deliver enhanced geospatial capabilities, real-time situational awareness, common operating picture services, analytics, mission planning, operational reporting and performance management capabilities. The successful Software Developers will work within Agile multidisciplinary teams to design, develop, integrate and deploy cloud-native services and applications that enable Maritime Border Command to enhance maritime threat identification, improve operational decision-making and strengthen Australia's maritime domain awareness capabilities.

Working Arrangements

The role is based in Canberra, ACT. The successful applicant must work full time on site for 3 months or until they understand the Department's ICT landscape, requirements and project objectives. Flexible working arrangements may be considered afterward, subject to approval and the Department's operational needs and ICT Contractor Working from Home Guidelines. Contractors must be on-site in Canberra at least 2 days per week. Remote work costs, including travel, accommodation, utilities and equipment, are the contractor's responsibility.

Selection Criteria

Candidates must provide a one-page pitch addressing all criteria specified, up to 5,000 characters.