Senior AI Software Engineer for Real-World Systems

Firstfocus; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Relocation support for interstate

Mentorship and professional growth

Learning and development assistance

Job summary

Swordfish is seeking a Software Engineer with strong applied AI/ML capabilities to turn research into robust, production-ready software for defence projects. You will join a multidisciplinary Agile team, delivering high-quality systems and ensuring architecture, performance and security are maintained.

Your role emphasizes credible operational capability, collaboration with researchers and engineers, and a commitment to continual learning in a dynamic, security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Software engineering fundamentals across architecture, design, implementation, testing, integration and deployment.
• Practical experience applying AI, machine learning or data science techniques in software systems.
• Programming capability, with an understanding of modern languages, software design principles and patterns.
• Ability to critically evaluate technical approaches and AI-generated outputs rather than relying entirely on frameworks or tooling.
• Analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in collaborative Agile teams and with technical stakeholders.
• Adaptability, sound engineering judgement and a commitment to continual learning.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary Agile team to plan, design and deliver high-quality software.
• Design, develop, test and integrate AI-enabled software systems.
• Translate research concepts, algorithms and prototypes into robust, maintainable engineered solutions.
• Work closely with researchers, engineers, product owners and clients to understand requirements, constraints and changing priorities.
• Evaluate and apply emerging AI technologies, including AI-assisted development tools, with appropriate engineering judgement and oversight.
• Contribute to peer review, continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and the development of less experienced engineers.

Job description

Swordfish is seeking a Software Engineer with strong applied AI/ML capabilities to turn research into robust, production-ready software for defence projects. You will join a multidisciplinary Agile team, delivering high-quality systems and ensuring architecture, performance and security are maintained.

Your role emphasizes credible operational capability, collaboration with researchers and engineers, and a commitment to continual learning in a dynamic, security-conscious environment.