Senior Software Engineer (AI Systems)

Ascender Pay Pty Ltd; Armidale; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Job summary

UNE is seeking a Senior Software Engineer (AI Systems) to architect and deliver AI-powered backend systems and LLM-enabled workflows across UNE's university-wide platform. The role requires hands-on contribution, end-to-end delivery, and collaboration with frontend teams to integrate AI capabilities into real-world environments.

The role emphasizes security by design, scalable AWS-based infrastructure, and CI/CD practices, with remote working options and a two-year fixed term.

Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on experience as a direct contributor in Python backend development
• Proven end-to-end systems design experience from concept to production
• Frontend experience with React to complement backend focus
• Security-conscious by design in all architecture decisions
• Experience building and operating production systems on AWS with IaC
• Ability to manage full delivery cycle with automated testing and CI/CD

Responsibilities

• Architect AI-driven systems using large language models and backend infrastructure
• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered systems powering UNE's platforms
• Lead scalable backend and AI workflows across cross-functional teams
• Prototype concepts and optimise production systems for performance and scale

Skills

Python backend

React frontend

AWS

CI/CD

Security-first

Production systems

Job description

Vacancy Supporting Documents

Reference Number225290 - Senior Software Engineer (AI Systems)

Senior Software Engineer (AI Systems)

LabNext70

• Join LabNext70 - UNE's applied innovation lab at the forefront of AI in higher education
• Shape UNE's AI future - lead the design and development of a university-wide AI platform
• Full-time, two year fixed term role
• Based at UNE's Armidale Campus - remote working arrangement available
• Competitive salary with s alary packaging options available

About the role

As the Senior Software Engineer (AI Systems) at LabNext70, you'll architect the systems that put large language models (LLMs) to work. This is a high-impact, hands-on role where you will design, develop, and deploy the AI-powered systems and backend infrastructure that power real innovation across the University and beyond.

You will be at the forefront of LabNext70's AI initiatives: building scalable systems that harness LLMs, designing and implementing advanced AI workflows, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate AI technologies into complex, real-world environments. From prototyping new concepts to optimising production systems for performance and scale, your work will directly shape how AI is applied at UNE.

This is a role for someone who loves building things and wants to keep doing it. You take a hard problem, strip it back to its essentials, and ship something clean, secure, and built to last.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Deep, hands-on experience as a direct contributor in Python backend development, with the architectural instincts to design systems that scale and stay maintainable without accruing tech debt
• Proven experience designing and building complex systems end-to-end with a track record of taking ideas from concept through to production
• Familiarity with React on the frontend, complementing a primary focus on backend architecture and delivery
• A security-first mindset embedded in every design decision from the outset
• Hands-on experience building and operating production systems on AWS, with infrastructure defined and managed as code rather than configured by hand
• The ability to work across the full delivery cycle: from scoping and architectural decisions through to shipping production-quality code, with automated testing and CI/CD as standard practice
• A natural inclination to elevate those around you through code quality, thoughtful reviews, and sound technical decisions
• A considered and confident approach to technical decision-making, with the collaborative instincts to bring the team with you

About LabNext70

LabNext70 drives applied innovation and the strategic integration of artificial intelligence within the university. The Lab's activities span three integrated pillars:

• Academic Innovation and Research: Leading an applied research program to design, pilot, and ship next-generation learning models, while accelerating the university's fundamental research agenda through AI integration and strategic collaboration with centres and institutes.
• Strategic Partnerships and Commercial Enablement: Forging high-value industry partnerships and developing technology products that resource the Lab's mission, positioning the university at the forefront of the AI sector.
• University-wide Integration and Capability: Embedding AI literacy, tools, and processes across academic and professional domains to elevate quality, efficiency, and equity, helping to co-architect the next-generation enterprise ecosystem that secures the university's digital future.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description below.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Connor Ventura, Engineering Manager (AI), phone: [phone] email: [e-mail] .

UNE: A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At UNE, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the unique perspectives they bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute their best.

We warmly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with lived experience of mental health or disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQIA+.

UNE is committed to enabling all staff to thrive and ensuring that our LGBTIQIA+ community and staff from all cultures feel included and respected. Our UNE Ally Network is here for staff and students and for any questions, contact our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant .

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values: Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Accountable, Be Connected. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role, as indicated in the position description. This includes providing a National Police Check, Gender Based Violence Declaration and for some roles, a Working with Children Check prior to an offer of employment being made. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically excluded from applying for this position, unless a specific legal requirement applies. For more information, see UNE's Pre-Employment Check Webpage .