Senior Software Engineer

Saab AB; City of Melbourne, Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6 weeks leave

14% employer superannuation

Job summary

Saab Australia is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead development across Defence R&D projects and prototypes. You will design, implement and evolve software solutions, collaborating with systems engineers and domain experts to turn concepts into demonstrators and future products.

The role offers hybrid work arrangements with flexible office and home-based work. You will contribute to secure software practices, agile delivery, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within a national defence

Qualifications

• Experience delivering software solutions across defence, security or complex systems.
• Proficiency in multiple languages (Java/C++/C#/Ada) with OO and procedural skills.
• Experience with modern tools and agile development practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and delivery of software for Defence R&D programs and prototypes.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and software teams to evolve capabilities.
• Implement robust software architectures and continue improvement.
• Ensure compliance with security, export control and information handling requirements.

Skills

Java

C++

C#

Ada

Python

Go

Git

Agile development

Linux

Software architecture

Docker

DDS

IBM DOORS

Atlassian tools

Tools

Docker

DDS

IBM DOORS

Atlassian tool suite

Job description

Senior Software Engineer - Research & Innovation

Join Saab Australia (Saab) and help shape the future of defence, security and cyber technology.

For more than 35 years, Saab Australia has been a leading provider of defence, civil and security solutions, with an enduring purpose to keep people and society safe. We combine global expertise with local knowledge to deliver innovative, world-class solutions that support critical operations across Australia’s defence and security industries. From cyber security and communications to advanced defence systems and mixed reality technologies, our teams work on meaningful projects that make a real impact.

If you're looking for challenging work, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer

At Saab Australia, we recognise that meaningful work is just one part of a rewarding career. We support our people with benefits that enhance wellbeing, flexibility and financial security, including:

• Up to 6 weeks leave
• 14% employer superannuation contribution

We are seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer to join our Research & Innovation team, delivering advanced software solutions that support future Defence capability. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge R&D initiatives, rapid prototypes, concept demonstrators and product innovations that shape the evolution of mission-critical Defence systems.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing and evolving software solutions across a diverse portfolio of Defence R&D activities. You will collaborate closely with systems engineers, software developers and technical specialists to transform innovative concepts into demonstrable capabilities and future products.

Further, the successful candidate will:

• Lead the design, development and delivery of innovative software solutions for Defence R&D programs, prototypes and demonstrations.
• Develop, maintain and enhance software capabilities using modern engineering practices, frameworks and architectures.
• Support agile project delivery, including planning, estimation, testing, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Defence security, export control and classified information handling requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and engineering expertise within multidisciplinary teams.
  

Flexible work arrangements such as hybrid work from home / office and a 9-day fortnight will be considered for this role.

About you

Your skills and experience will include:

• Experience developing software solutions using languages such as Java, C++, C# or Ada, applying object-oriented and procedural programming principles.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, engineering best practices and configuration management using Git.
• Knowledge of Agile development methodologies and Systems Engineering principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience developing software solutions within Defence, aerospace, combat systems or other complex software-intensive environments.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, Bash and/or TypeScript, with experience developing software in Linux-based environments.
• Familiarity with modern development and engineering tools, including Docker, DDS, IBM DOORS and the Atlassian tool suite.

Security Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must be an Australian citizen and be eligible to obtain and maintain:

• Australian Defence Security Clearance (NV1)
• Access to ITAR-controlled information

What you will be part of

• Explore a world of possibilities. Tackle challenges, drive innovation, and grow your career in an environment where curiosity and diverse perspectives are valued. Together, we achieve extraordinary outcomes, and your contribution matters.
• Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose to help nations keep their people and society safe. Supported by 28,000 employees worldwide, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.
• The company develops, manufactures, and sustains advanced systems across aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors, and underwater systems. Headquartered in Sweden, Saab has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Learn more about Saab here .
• We're committed to creating an environment where our people feel supported, empowered and inspired to do their best work.
  

Applications

By submitting your application, you consent to Saab Australia's pre‑employment screening process, which may include reference checks, Australian Federal Police checks, verification of working rights and qualifications, sanctions screening, and a pre‑employment medical declaration.

Saab Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and ex‑service personnel, veterans and their families.

Regardless of whether you value cutting edge technology, creativity or an innovative environment, everyone at Saab contributes to keeping people and society safe.