Senior Backend Developer - Safety and Productivity Systems

NHVR External Careers; City of Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 137,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Novated lease

Wellbeing programs

Discounted IT products

Professional development support

Job summary

NHVR's Digital Enablement team seeks a Senior Backend Developer to design, develop, and maintain scalable web applications using Node.js/LoopBack and React. You will implement microservices, RESTful APIs, and secure data transactions, hosting on Azure.

Expect collaboration across teams, code reviews, and ongoing improvement of development processes. We value 8+ years in backend development, strong TypeScript/React skills, and deep knowledge of databases (MySQL/PostgreSQL) and JSON Schema.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of backend experience with Express.js or Nest.js.
• Strong TypeScript and React.js skills for full-stack development.
• Azure cloud services expertise for deployment and management.
• Experience with microservices and containerisation.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tooling.
• Strong understanding of RESTful APIs and web services.
• Knowledge of MySQL and PostgreSQL databases.
• Experience with ORM frameworks and JSON Schema.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality web applications.
• Implement microservices architecture and RESTful APIs.
• Manage deployments on Azure and ensure performance and reliability.
• Participate in code reviews and maintainability improvements.

Skills

Express.js

Nest.js

TypeScript

React.js

Azure

Microservices

Containerisation

CI/CD

REST APIs

MySQL

PostgreSQL

ORM

JSON Schema

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree in CS

Tools

LoopBack

Job description

About the role

The Data and Technology Division enables the NHVR to be a modern, data lead regulator through the development and implementation of information, data and analytics across all NHVR core functions. The division leads the delivery of best practice technology, IT operations, information, architecture and security functions as well as the execution of digital enabling solutions that support the NHVR’s vision and strategic direction.

The NHVR administers the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and has overarching responsibility for managing heavy vehicle access. Part of the legislative requirement for managing heavy vehicle access is to ensure we work with road managers to deliver an access system to enable industry to access or apply for access to road networks.

To achieve this, the Digital Enablement business unit aims to deliver consistent, streamlined and effective products and services for its customers. They partner with customers to define, design and develop solutions that deliver improved organisational efficiency and effectiveness, building a modern regulator.

As a key part of Digital Enablement, the various teams deliver industry-leading digital services for the benefit of the heavy vehicle industry. In partnership with stakeholders, they aim to deliver operational efficiency and great customer experiences through innovative customer-centred products, supporting the organisation to become a modern and effective regulator. Digital Enablement manages the development and delivery of NHVR’s digital products through a variety of different digital platforms including, the NHVR Portal, the spatial program and compliance and enforcement applications.

Digital Enablement product teams incorporate a benefits approach to program objectives. The product teams are focused on the realisation of business benefits and looks for innovative solutions to complex business problems.

Key responsibilities of this role are:

The Senior Backend Developer will work in the Safety and Productivity Systems platform team, and will:

• Design, develop, document, and maintain technical solutions in accordance with project requirements and software development standards and best practices.
• Functional and performance testing to ensure code meets project requirements and adheres to test and quality assurance standards.
• Resolve production incidents, ensuring timely recovery and implementing preventative measures to avoid recurrence.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality, scalable web applications using LoopBack (Node.js) and React.
• Implement and manage microservice architecture, ensuring each service is optimised for performance and reliability.
• Develop and integrate RESTful APIs and ensure secure data transactions.
• Manage and deploy applications on Azure, leveraging its services for optimal performance.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to application performance, security, and scalability.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of the development process.
• Design and manage databases, including MySQL and PostgreSQL, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval.
• Define and implement JSON Schema for data validation and API documentation.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance our technology stack continuously.
• Adhere to governance, technical standards and processes as defined by the NHVR.
• Adhere to all NHVR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with NHVR internal processes.
• Comply with WH&S policies and procedures and contribute and promote a safe and healthy work environment

NHVR’s Digital Enablement Team are currently undertaking growth and considerable transformation, and this is an exciting time to join the organisation.

To learn more, the position description can be found on the NHVR Careers site - https://careers.nhvr.gov.au/jobs/search

About You

To be successful in this role you will possess

Skills and Capabilities

• A degree in computer science or related technology discipline is welcome. However, demonstrable experience of your skills in full-stack development is required.
• 8+ years experience with backend frameworks like Express.js or Nest.js.
• Strong Experience with Typescript.
• Strong experience with React.js for frontend development.
• Expertise in Azure cloud services, including deployment and management of applications.
• Experience with microservices architecture/containerisation.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tooling.
• Strong understanding of RESTful APIs and web services.
• Knowledge of database systems, specifically MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Experience with ORM frameworks.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing JSON Schema for data validation and API documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Highly Regarded

• Proficiency in LoopBack (Node.js) for backend development.
• Knowledge of GraphQL for frontend development.
• Familiarity with frontend state management libraries (e.g., xstate, Redux).
• Experience with testing frameworks and tools (e.g., Jest, Mocha).
• Understanding of Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Agile Scrum Professional Certification - i.e. PSM/CSM etc.
• Familiarity with caching such as Redis.

Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.

We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

We offer

• A competitive salary package from $152,511.56 + superannuation
• Monthly RDO and paid leave over Christmas closure.
• Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home.
• Up to15.25% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme
• Leave loading 17.5%
• Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
• Salary packaging options including novated lease.
• Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
• Ongoing training and professional development support
• Professional membership

Application Process

Applications close: 5.00pm 9 October 2026 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the NHVR recruitment team on [e-mail].

Successful applicants will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks including a national police and work rights check.

Please Note

We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experience and abilities.