Senior Software Engineer

Yolk Digital; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Yolk Digital is engaged by the Australian Federal Police to provide an experienced Senior Software Engineer to lead a team of engineers and own the quality of the software delivered. DevOps is integral, with CI/CD, PowerShell automation and Citrix administration, plus ongoing performance tuning and secure coding practices.

Based in Canberra with hybrid work options and potential remote arrangements, the role requires collaboration with AFP personnel, stakeholders and project teams to translate

Qualifications

• Senior software engineer with technical leadership responsibilities.
• Ability to design, develop and maintain scalable, secure software solutions.
• Experience implementing DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Analyse complex ICT issues and design scalable solutions.
• Produce designs, specs and architecture documentation.
• Implement changes across the development lifecycle with cross‑functional teams.
• Lead code reviews and enforce secure coding standards.
• Troubleshoot incidents and optimize performance.

Skills

Technical leadership

DevOps

Code reviews

Secure coding

Performance tuning

Tools

CI/CD

PowerShell

Citrix

Job description

Applications Close: 11:59pm Thursday 1 October 2026

Yolk Digital is engaged by the Australian Federal Police to provide an experienced Senior Software Engineer to provide technical leadership to a team of software engineers and take responsibility for the quality and functionality of the software your team produces.

DevOps is part of the role, not an afterthought: you'll manage CI/CD pipelines, write PowerShell automation, administer Citrix and keep improving the build, deployment and release processes. You'll run code reviews, apply secure coding standards, troubleshoot and resolve incidents and defects, and monitor and tune application performance, reliability and scalability.

You'll work in a small team within a broader AFP Command, in collaboration with and under the supervision of nominated AFP personnel, partnering with business stakeholders, project teams and technical specialists to turn requirements into sustainable solutions. Mentoring, coaching and knowledge-sharing with less experienced engineers is expected, as is contributing to improved ICT practices, standards and procedures across the organisation.

Location

QLD, ACT, VIC, NSW or SA. Hybrid: the primary office is in Canberra; working remotely from an alternate location (including from home) or flexible work arrangements may be considered, with approval at the AFP's discretion.

Duration

12 months, commencing 1 March 2027, with any number of extensions up to 24 months in total.

Clearance

Must be able to obtain Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1).

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse complex ICT business and technical issues, applying software engineering expertise to design, develop and recommend scalable, maintainable and secure solutions aligned with organisational objectives and best practices.
• Produce, maintain and update solution designs, technical specifications, architecture documentation and other engineering artefacts to support system enhancements and ongoing delivery.
• Implement software changes across the development lifecycle, working closely with testing, release management and operations teams to ensure successful deployment, system stability and operational readiness.
• Perform DevOps and automation activities, including CI/CD pipeline management, PowerShell scripting, Citrix administration and continuous improvement of build, deployment and release processes.
• Conduct code reviews and apply software engineering standards to improve code quality, maintainability, security and consistency across development activities.
• Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve application issues, incidents and defects, providing timely support to maintain system availability and business continuity.
• Apply secure coding principles and engineering best practices to ensure solutions meet security, compliance and risk management requirements.
• Monitor, analyse and optimise application performance, reliability and scalability to support operational effectiveness and future growth.
• Provide technical expertise and contribute to solution design decisions, technology improvements and the successful delivery of ICT projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, project teams and technical specialists to translate requirements into effective and sustainable technology solutions.

You'll also be expected to:

• Maintain current knowledge of information technology practices and technical disciplines through ongoing professional development.
• Establish, develop and sustain effective business relationships and professional networks across the organisation and broader stakeholder environment.
• Contribute to and support the implementation of improved ICT practices, standards and procedures.
• Provide mentoring, coaching and training to support capability development across teams.
• Operate effectively within a small team environment and contribute to broader Command objectives.
• Take accountability for the accurate and timely delivery of work in line with quality requirements, while sharing expertise and guiding less experienced personnel.
• Ensure the accurate recording and management of information and documentation in accordance with AFP requirements and established governance practices.

Skills & Experience

• Solution designs, technical specifications and architecture documentation
• DevOps and automation: CI/CD pipeline management, PowerShell scripting and Citrix administration
• Code review, secure coding principles and software engineering standards
• Troubleshooting and resolving incidents, defects and performance issues across the development lifecycle
• Technical leadership, mentoring and coaching of software engineers
• Collaboration with testing, release management, operations teams and business stakeholders

Essential SFIA skills for the Software Engineer (Developer) role (https://www.buyict.gov.au/public?id=aps_job_role_detail&topic_id=ec9782651bd8f2102f454086b04bcbf0&sys_id=bacb353f972b1a1013a2306ef053af3b). AFP Band 8 Work Level Standards (https://www.afp.gov.au/jobs/eligibility/work-level-standards) apply.

• Emerging technology monitoring: SFIA Level 5
• Methods and tools: SFIA Level 5
• Release and deployment: SFIA Level 5
• Software configuration: SFIA Level 5
• Systems integration and build: SFIA Level 5