Software Engineer

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Defence is seeking a Software Engineer to support Joint Project 9101 Phase 1 (JP9101). You will provide specialist engineering assurance for HF communication software, assess compliance with Defence standards, and identify risks across the capability lifecycle.

You will apply software engineering principles to validate system integrity and ensure delivered solutions meet legislative, policy, and regulatory requirements while operating within Defence governance structures and secure

Job description

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.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Mandatory Qualifications:

This engineering position requires a Bachelor of Engineering from an Australian institution, or a qualification gained elsewhere, that satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer.

The key duties of the position include:

The Role

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.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Mandatory Qualifications:

This engineering position requires a Bachelor of Engineering from an Australian institution, or a qualification gained elsewhere, that satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord for recognition as a Professional Engineer.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers