Software Engineer

Job Reference Number: 1648443

Join an established, dynamic and high-performing team delivering innovative technology solutions that support the development, delivery and evolution of Australia's defence systems. Working on a major Defence-funded research contract, you will contribute to the development and evaluation of cutting-edge Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) technologies, cloud infrastructure solutions and advanced software systems designed to enhance performance, scalability and resource efficiency.

Please note: Applicants must be Australian Citizens.

About the Role: 
As a Software Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, testing and maintaining software systems and research platforms that underpin Defence-focused research activities. The role combines hands-on software engineering with exposure to emerging cloud technologies, Linux environments, containerisation, virtualisation and hardware acceleration techniques.

This is an exciting opportunity for talented Software Engineers to apply their technical expertise to nationally significant research while working alongside academics, researchers, engineers and Defence stakeholders. You'll help transform emerging technologies into practical solutions, contributing to software platforms, cloud environments, benchmarking frameworks and infrastructure innovations that deliver real-world impact.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Design, develop, test and maintain software systems, platform components, interfaces and web applications using recognised industry standards and engineering methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of secure, scalable and high-performance software solutions supporting Defence research objectives.
• Develop and execute testing activities including unit, system and integration testing to ensure solutions meet agreed requirements and quality standards.
• Participate in peer reviews of software designs, architecture and code to promote engineering excellence.
• Maintain technical documentation including code repositories, technical reports and implementation records.
• Provide ongoing operational support, maintenance and enhancement of software applications and systems.
• Design and develop data structures, integrations and components that align with enterprise architecture and interoperability standards.
• Collaborate with Curtin's Digital and Technology Solutions (DTS) teams to ensure compliance with development standards and best practices.
• Analyse system performance across Linux-based platforms, virtualised environments and containerised workloads to identify optimisation opportunities.
• Investigate and implement hardware acceleration techniques that improve performance within private cloud environments.
• Install, configure and test server hardware and supporting infrastructure components.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, engineers and Defence stakeholders to support project delivery and innovation outcomes.

Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria): 
Essential:

1. A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
2. Demonstrated experience in software development and object-oriented programming.
3. Strong experience working within Linux-based development environments.
4. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design practical solutions that deliver business and research outcomes.
5. A commitment to keeping abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends and innovations in software engineering and cloud computing.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality technical documentation.
7. Well-developed interpersonal skills and a customer-focused approach to stakeholder engagement.
8. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and contribute effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Desirable:

1. Linux system administration, networking and operating system internals across environments such as Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora or RHEL.
2. Private cloud infrastructure, virtualisation technologies and performance optimisation.
3. Hardware acceleration technologies and modern compute architectures, including GPUs and high-performance networking technologies.
4. Programming and scripting languages such as Python, Go, Rust or C.
5. Containerisation technologies including Docker and Kubernetes, along with associated runtimes such as containerd and runc.
6. Cloud-native technologies, distributed systems or high-performance computing environments.

As part of our commitment to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation at the University, we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If your qualifications or experience look different from what we've described above, but you feel your skills and potential are a match to the capabilities we need, please apply.

This role is part of a progressive and supportive team. We are looking for diversity in experience, thought and approach.

Role Requirements:

• Applicants must be Australian Citizens.
• The successful candidate may be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance, subject to project requirements.
• The successful candidate must comply with Curtin University policies and all security, confidentiality, research integrity, and Defence-related requirements applicable to the project.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

Your new Team - The High-Performance Intelligent Systems (HPIS) Research Group:
The HPIS Research Group within the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS), focuses on the design and development of next-generation distributed Intelligent systems using state-of-art technologies, i.e., edge-cloud computing, machine learning (ML) techniques, Internet of Things (IoT), and software and cyber security engineering. The group comprises leading experts in software engineering, cyber security, machine learning and cloud/edge computing. The group fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research, and development with various industry partners.

Formed in 2017, EECMS unites Curtin’s core expertise in electrical engineering, computing, physics, mathematics, and statistics to better understand and advance our data-driven world. As part of Curtin’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, EECMS is one of the university’s largest schools, with a rapidly expanding teaching and research portfolio. The school is at the forefront of emerging fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technologies, Energy Informatics, and Immersive Technologies. Our teaching programs are delivered across Curtin’s global campuses.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: 
At Curtin University, we value the diversity of the community and are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture in which all people feel respected, valued, welcome and safe.  
 
The Faculty of Science and Engineering is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, career development, promotion and workplace support.   
 
To demonstrate this commitment, the faculty has developed a Diversity Awareness Program with a key focus on the areas of gender equity, diverse sex, sexuality and gender, ethnicity, disability and accessibility, and health and wellness. We aim to promote and improve awareness and participation of diversity and inclusion initiatives through the appointment of diversity representatives and male champions of change across the faculty.  
 
As a university and faculty, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering and make tomorrow better.  
 
Applicants with disability who require adjustments, or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process can contact our friendly team at *************@curtin.edu.au.   
 
To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/.  
 
For more information on Curtin’s 2030 Strategic Plan, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/curtin-2030-strategic-plan/    

About Curtin University 
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/  

What We Offer You: 
These fixed term, full-time G06 level roles (ending 31 March 2028) attract a remuneration of $99,213 - $105,251 (G06) + 17% superannuation.
  
Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.
  
For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/
  
Join Us! 
If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:  

• Up-to-date Resume 
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages. 

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on *************@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 90***(option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Thursday, 27 August 2026
  
Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.
  
Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.