Lead Data Engineer

Axiom Data Pty Ltd.; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Geoscience Australia is seeking a Lead Data Engineer (EL1 equivalent) based in Canberra. The role focuses on building and securing ML workflows, Open Data Cube, and data pipelines in a cloud environment, with strong emphasis on data management and Earth observation support.

You will lead software development practices, mentor scientists, and ensure secure, high-performing services while collaborating with DaS leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Australian citizenship with existing Baseline security clearance at application time.
• Experience designing and maintaining ML workflows with orchestration and testing.
• Strong background in data engineering for large geospatial datasets in cloud environments.
• Ability to advise on algorithm improvements and cybersecurity in CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, code, train, validate, maintain and optimise ML workflows with orchestration and testing.
• Develop, test and maintain Open Data Cube code base and data pipelines.
• Build, secure and operate automated testing and deployment pipelines on AWS.
• Provide technical leadership and governance for secure software development practices.
• Upskill Earth Observation scientists and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ensure data access, editing protocols and service performance meet requirements.

Skills

Python

Containerisation

Data orchestration

Open Data Cube

AWS

CI/CD

Security practices

Geospatial data

Tools

Open Data Cube

AWS

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Australian citizens only Baseline clearance Canberra, ACT Closes 16 Nov 2026

Eligibility - please read before applying

This role is open to Australian citizens only. Applicants must also hold a current and ACTIVE Baseline Australian Government security clearance. An ability to obtain a clearance is NOT sufficient for this role.

This is an Australian Federal Government engagement based in Australia. Applications from candidates who are not Australian citizens, or who do not meet the security clearance requirement above, cannot be considered - regardless of technical experience. We are unable to sponsor visas, and this role cannot be performed remotely or from offshore.

About the Role

Geoscience Australia is seeking one Lead Data Engineer (EL1 equivalent) for the Data Operations team in its Data and Systems (DaS) section, Canberra. The role supports the maintenance and delivery of Geoscience Australia's Earth Analysis scientific products and infrastructure capability, working closely with DaS teams on data management, IT system support and Earth observation product support. It designs, codes, validates and maintains machine learning workflows through orchestration, develops and maintains the Open Data Cube code base, builds data ingest and transformation pipelines, and implements automated testing and deployment pipelines on AWS with security embedded in systems and CI/CD. Expertise in data engineering orchestration, containerisation and Python is essential. The engineer upskills Earth Observation scientists, advises on algorithm improvements and considers cybersecurity in the planning, delivery and monitoring of solutions, aligned with branch governance frameworks.

Design, code, train, validate, maintain and optimise machine learning workflows, with orchestration, testing and documentation; support development and maintenance of data source, ingest and transformation pipelines; develop, test and maintain the Open Data Cube code base; transfer knowledge to and upskill Earth Observation scientists; advise on improvements to existing algorithms; implement, maintain and improve automated testing and deployment pipelines on AWS for various platforms; contribute to and drive a strong collaborative culture; ensure services and components are available and high performing; embed security tools and practices into systems and CI/CD pipelines; support data operations as directed by DaS leadership; other administrative tasks as required. The role sits in the Data Operations team of the Data and Systems (DaS) section and supports Geoscience Australia's Earth Analysis scientific products and infrastructure, with a focus on data management, IT system support and Earth observation product support, considering cybersecurity in planning, delivery and monitoring and aligning with branch governance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Large geospatial and Earth observation datasets in a cloud environment; Open Data Cube code base development, testing and maintenance.
• Data engineering orchestration, containerisation and Python - essential.
• Design, code, train, validate, maintain and optimise machine learning workflows with orchestration, testing and documentation.
• Data ingest and transformation pipelines; protocols for data access and editing.
• Automated testing and deployment pipelines on AWS; security tools and practices embedded in systems and CI/CD; service availability and performance.
• Technical leadership of software development practices, tools and standards for secure, high-quality solutions; strategic advice on use and reuse of data processes, systems and tools.
• Upskill Earth Observation scientists, advise on algorithm improvements, and communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with large, geospatial datasets within a cloud environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of protocols associated with data access and editing.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice and guidance on the use and reuse of data processes, systems and tools.
• Provide technical leadership across software development, driving the adoption of development practices, tools and standards to deliver secure, high-quality solutions.
• The ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, and communicate complex concepts across a range of audiences.
• Build and sustain strong relationships and collaboration while fostering an inclusive, high-performing team environment.

Citizenship Australian citizens only

Security Clearance Baseline - must hold an ACTIVE clearance at time of application

Contract One position. Estimated start Tuesday 5 January 2027. Initial contract 12 months, with one 6-month extension. Lead - EL1 equivalent. A maximum of two candidates per seller.

Location Canberra, ACT. Hybrid - flexible working can be considered for the successful candidate, with a requirement to be on site at least two days per week. Maximum 40 hours per week.

Max Candidates 2 per seller

This opportunity is sourced through the Australian Government's BuyICT panel for ICT Labour Hire services.