Senior Software Engineer (Developer)

Senior Software Engineer - Developer

Location

QLD, ACT, VIC, SA

Working Arrangement

Onsite (subject to operational requirements; limited WFH options depending on area)

Clearance Required

Current TSPV (Top Secret Positive Vetting) - mandatory

Company Overview

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is at the forefront of defending Australia against global threats. Operating within the Defence portfolio, ASD delivers foreign signals intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations to protect national interests.

This is an opportunity to work on highly sensitive, mission‑critical systems that have real national impact. Successful candidates will undergo ASD's Organisation Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to commencement.

Job Description

We're looking for experienced Senior Software Engineers to lead the design, development and delivery of complex software systems within a secure Defence environment.

You'll take ownership of end‑to‑end software delivery, contribute to technical strategy, and guide teams to build high‑quality, resilient systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, review, document and release large‑scale or complex software systems
• Take accountability for delivery quality, timelines and outcomes
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers
• Analyse and resolve complex engineering challenges with long‑term impact in mind
• Collaborate with stakeholders and subject matter experts across Defence environments
• Contribute to software development strategies, policies and standards
• Lead evaluations of tools, frameworks and engineering approaches
• Drive software releases, ensuring risk is assessed and mitigated
• Oversee configuration management and deployment practices

Education / Certifications Required

• Relevant degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent experience
• Industry certifications (desirable but not essential)

Knowledge / Skills Required

Core Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency across multiple programming languages
• Solid understanding of algorithms and data structures
• Experience with modern software development methodologies
• Working knowledge of databases and SQL
• Experience with version control systems

SFIA Capability Expectations

• Programming / Software Development - Level 5
• Release & Deployment - Level 5
• Software Configuration - Level 5
• Software Design - Level 4

What this really means is:

You're not just writing code. You're shaping systems, setting standards, and making decisions that affect entire delivery pipelines.

Employment Benefits

• Long-term engagement: 12-month initial contract + 2 x 12-month extensions
• Work on national security systems with real‑world impact
• Leadership-level responsibilities (EL1 equivalent)
• Access to highly specialised, classified engineering environments

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Veterans

Defence and Federal Government experience is highly desirable. We strongly encourage veterans and individuals with Defence backgrounds to apply. Your experience is highly valued, and support is provided to transition into the role.

About Cleared

At Cleared, we connect cleared professionals with opportunities across Defence, Intelligence and National Security. We specialise in placing highly skilled candidates into roles where their expertise makes a real difference.