Software Engineer

Custom Bus Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Unique EV manufacturing exposure

Full-time permanent role

Supportive team culture

Cutting-edge EV tech exposure

Modern Sydney facility

Shape software architecture

Direct access to leadership

Job summary

Custom Denning, Australia’s only local fully electric bus manufacturer, seeks a Software Engineer to design and maintain software for vehicle control systems in production buses. You'll work across embedded ECUs, CAN networks, diagnostics and OTA updates on site in Sydney.

You’ll bring a degree in software or related field and 3+ years of embedded/ automotive experience, with C/C++ and CAN tooling expertise. Join a practical, hands-on team on the production floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering or related discipline.
• 3+ years' experience in software development, preferably embedded/autmotive/EV.
• Strong programming in C/C++; Python or C# for tooling/test automation is a plus.
• Experience with CAN bus networks and protocols (J1939, CANopen, UDS) and tools such as Vector CANalyzer/CANoe or PCAN.
• Familiarity with EV systems—battery management, inverters, drivetrain and charging (CCS/OCPP).
• Experience with Git, testing, and software development lifecycle; awareness of ISO 26262 or cybersecurity is advantageous.
• Hands-on approach, comfortable on vehicles and production floor, not just desk-based.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain software for vehicle control systems, from requirements through to production release.
• Develop and integrate embedded software (C/C++) for ECUs, body control and driver interface systems.
• Configure, integrate and troubleshoot CAN/J1939 vehicle networks, including battery, drivetrain, charging and auxiliary systems.
• Build diagnostic, end-of-line test and calibration tools to support the production line.
• Support telematics, data logging and OTA updates across the fleet.
• Investigate and resolve software and integration issues on prototype and production vehicles using root‑cause analysis.
• Develop and execute test plans, including bench, HIL and on‑vehicle validation.
• Maintain software documentation, version control, release notes and ECNs.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, production and quality teams and suppliers.

Skills

C/C++

Python

CAN/J1939

Git

Embedded systems

Automotive

Testing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering

Tools

Vector CANalyzer

CANoe

PCAN

Job description

Custom Denning is Australia's only locally based, fully electric bus manufacturer and a proud pioneer in sustainable public transport.

From our Sydney manufacturing facility, we design and build purpose-built electric buses for government fleets, public transport operators and commercial clients across Australia. Combining cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with skilled local manufacturing, we deliver zero-emission transport solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, quality, performance and reliability.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're looking for a Software Engineer to join our engineering team and help develop the software that powers our fully electric buses. This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys working across embedded systems, vehicle networks and diagnostic tools, and seeing their code run on real vehicles on Australian roads. Experience in automotive, heavy vehicle, EV or other embedded/industrial systems is highly regarded.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop and maintain software for vehicle control systems, from requirements through to production release
• Develop and integrate embedded software (C/C++) for ECUs, body control and driver interface systems
• Configure, integrate and troubleshoot CAN/J1939 vehicle networks, including battery, drivetrain, charging and auxiliary systems
• Build diagnostic, end‑of‑line test and calibration tools to support the production line
• Support telematics, data logging and over‑the‑air (OTA) update capabilities across our fleet
• Investigate and resolve software and integration issues on prototype and production vehicles, using root‑cause analysis and corrective actions
• Develop and execute test plans, including bench, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and on‑vehicle validation
• Maintain software documentation, version control, release notes and engineering change notices (ECNs)
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, production and quality teams and suppliers to ensure systems are safe, reliable and compliant

ABOUT YOU

You’ll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering (or related discipline)
• 3+ years' experience in software development, ideally in embedded, automotive, heavy vehicle, EV or industrial systems
• Strong programming skills in C/C++; Python or C# for tooling and test automation highly regarded
• Experience with CAN bus networks and protocols (J1939, CANopen, UDS) and tools such as Vector CANalyzer/CANoe or PCAN
• Familiarity with EV systems — battery management, inverters, drivetrain and charging (CCS/OCPP) — highly regarded
• Experience with Git, structured testing and the software development lifecycle; awareness of functional safety (ISO 26262) or vehicle cybersecurity standards is an advantage
• Practical, hands‑on approach — comfortable working on vehicles and on the production floor, not just at a desk
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset
• Good communicator, able to work cross‑functionally with engineering, production, quality and suppliers

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary package reviewed annually.
• A genuinely unique opportunity to work with Australia’s only local fully electric bus manufacturer.
• Stable, full‑time permanent role in a growing, future‑focused business.
• Supportive, down‑to‑earth team culture with a strong safety focus.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge electric vehicle manufacturing technology.
• Modern Sydney‑based production facility.
• Opportunity to help shape the software and controls architecture of Australian‑made electric buses.
• Direct access to senior leadership and genuine influence on business outcomes.

At Custom Denning, we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.