Software Engineer

Australian Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Department of Defence - Campbell ACT is seeking a Software Engineer for Joint Project 9101 Phase 1 to provide specialist engineering assurance for software components supporting high frequency communication systems. You will assess compliance with Defence standards, review documentation, identify risks across the capability lifecycle, and ensure delivered solutions meet policy requirements.

You will apply software engineering principles to validate system integrity, support

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (or Washington Accord equivalent) and experience in software assurance or mission-critical systems.
• Ability to interpret technical packages, assess compliance and provide recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Eligible for a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assess compliance with Defence standards and review technical documentation.
• Identify risks and uncertainties across the capability lifecycle.
• Apply software engineering principles to validate system integrity.
• Support configuration control and ensure solutions meet legislative and policy requirements.
• Collaborate with Defence customers and CASG to deliver security-focused HF communications capabilities.

Skills

Software engineering

Assurance practices

Agile delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor of Engineering

Washington Accord equivalent

Tools

DOORS

Git

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Australian Department of Defence - Campbell ACT

As a Software Engineer for Joint Project 9101 Phase 1 (JP9101), you will provide specialist engineering assurance for software components supporting high frequency (HF) communication systems. Your responsibilities include assessing compliance with Defence standards, reviewing technical documentation, and identifying risks and uncertainties across the capability lifecycle. You will apply software engineering principles to validate system integrity, support configuration control, and ensure delivered solutions meet legislative, policy, and regulatory requirements.

This role requires strong knowledge of software engineering practices, familiarity with Defence governance frameworks, and the ability to operate within structured engineering processes to support secure and resilient communications.

About our Team

The Joint Project 9101 Phase 01 (JP9101) Team delivers critical communications capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), combining procurement, sustainment, and innovation to support operational readiness. The team operates collaboratively across Defence and industry, ensuring alignment with the Capability Manager's objectives and broader organisational goals.

With a focus on achieving outcomes specified in Materiel Acquisition Agreement, the team ensures delivery within defined budgets, schedules, and performance standards. Employing best practice project management and governance frameworks, the JP9101 Team prioritises efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money while meeting contractual and policy obligations.

The team fosters a culture of communication and collaboration, integrating expertise across technical, operational, and strategic domains. By maintaining strong partnerships with Defence customers, Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group (CASG) elements, and industry stakeholders, the JP9101 Team ensures seamless delivery of enhanced HF capabilities that meet Defence requirements, support mission success, and drive continuous improvement.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is an experienced software engineer with a sound understanding of assurance practices in complex or Defence environments. You should be able to interpret technical packages, assess compliance, and provide clear recommendations. Attributes such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective stakeholder engagement are essential. A Bachelor of Engineering (or Washington Accord equivalent), experience in software assurance or mission-critical systems, and eligibility for a security clearance will be highly regarded.

Strong understanding of software engineering principles and practices, including:

• Design patterns
• Containerization technologies
• UI/UX and human factors
• Configuration management and version control
• Git branching strategies
• Agile delivery methodologies (sprints, backlogs, scrums, epics and story points)
• CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment)

Experience with Defence engineering practices, including:

• ASDEFCON baseline management
• CDRL documentation and document reviews
• Software verification activities such as unit, integration, dry-run and acceptance testing

Knowledge of systems engineering processes, including:

• Requirements management
• DOORS
• Traceability matrices
• Verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM)
• Architecture diagrams and design documentation

Familiarity with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and secure software development practices.

Background knowledge of the:

• Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF)
• Information Security Manual (ISM) software security controls
• Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)

Proven ability to deliver work accurately and to agreed quality standards.

Experience developing specialist knowledge in relevant technologies and providing technical advice.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.

Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders and subject matter experts to achieve project and business outcomes.

Ability to evaluate software engineering activities for compliance with relevant standards, policies and processes.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 15 October 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/05115/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=51D29722-829E-99F7-6DBD-ED500D0D7B57