ASD 5, 6 & EL1 Software Engineers

The Opportunity

We are seeking skilled Software Engineers to join ASD. You will thrive in our collaborative teams, working alongside talented colleagues and supported by experienced technical leaders. You will leverage unique software and tools to deliver cutting-edge capabilities that directly support ASD’s mission. If you are passionate about Software Engineering and want to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

Key Duties

ASD 5 Software Engineers:

• Perform coding, testing, reviewing, correcting, and documenting of moderately complex programs and program modifications using supplied specifications, standards and tools
• Contribute to the work of the team and continuous improvement
• Acquire and apply knowledge and experience in development technologies
• Build and sustain effective working relationships with team members and actively participate in team work and group activities
• Engage with relevant stakeholders and understand their expectations and concerns
• Collate options and recommend a solution to issues impacting on the achievement of desired outcomes
• Capable of reviewing and developing the quality of work undertaken by others and identifying opportunities for on-the-job training
• Seek advice and guidance on more complex activities.

ASD 6 Software Engineers:

• Accountable for designing, coding, testing, reviewing, correcting and documenting large or complex programs and program modifications according to supplied specifications, standards and tools
• Accountable for accurate completion of work to agreed quality standards, share own expertise with others and guide and mentor less experienced employees
• Develop specialist knowledge of domain technologies and advise on their application
• Utilise knowledge and experience in development technologies to contribute to continuous process improvement
• Build and sustain effective relationship with team members and actively participate in team work and group activities
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders and subject matter experts to progress ICT software engineering business activities
• Design and implement solutions to issues impacting on the achievement of desired outcomes
• Evaluate activities and processes for compliance with ICT software development standards and processes.

ASD EL1 Software Engineers:

• Accountable for designing, coding, testing, correcting, reviewing, documenting and releasing large or very complex programs and program modifications according to supplied specifications, standards and tools.
• Accountable for accurate completion of work within timeframes and quality requirements, share own expertise with others and guide and mentor less experienced employees.
• Has expertise in domain technologies and generate new concepts within that domain.
• Utilise knowledge and experience to consider ramifications of issues and longer term impact of own work and work area to meet business objectives.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders and other subject matter experts to progress ICT software engineering business activities.
• Lead, motivate and mentor teams, aligning complementary skills and allocate resources in a manner that delivers results.
• Analyse very complex ICT software engineering issues, applying expertise to identify and implement courses of action.
• Assess and evaluate software development strategy, initiatives, projects, policy and procedures.

Further information can be found at: I’m changing my career | Australian Signals Directorate (asd.gov.au).

ASD is seeking applicants to fill current and anticipated vacancies and to create a merit pool for future vacancies. In line with the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Direction 2022, upon completion of the recruitment activity, the merit pool will be available to locations across Australia.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our Ideal candidate should possess one or more of the following traits and skills

ASD 5 & 6 Software Engineers:

• Demonstrated expertise in developing, and proficiency architecting, with at least one programming language
• Industry experience, formal training or a particular domain expertise
• Have some experience in producing formal project documentation
• Experience implementing network design on Cisco and Juniper hardware
• Experience with at least one compiled language (e.g. C, C++, Rust, Golang),
• Experience with at least one scripting language (e.g. Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Perl, Lua)
• DevOps tools, e.g. Gitlab CI/CD, Kubernetes, Helm, Knative and Docker, Terraform,
• Web Frontend development - React, Typescript/JavaScript, Angular
• Web Backend development - REST APIs, Java, SpringBoot, Python, Rust
• Experience using a debugger to debug a compiled binary or script
• Understanding of core computer science fundamentals (e.g., algorithms, memory management, problem solving)
• Understanding of operating system internals.

ASD EL1 Software Engineers:

• Strong technical skills as demonstrated through expertise in developing, and proficiency architecting, with at least one programming language.
• Industry experience, formal training or a particular domain expertise.
• Have some experience in producing formal project documentation.
• Experience implementing network design on Cisco and Juniper hardware.
• Experience with at least one compiled language (e.g., C, C++, Rust, Golang).
• Experience with at least one scripting language (e.g., JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Perl, Lua).
• DevOps tools (e.g. Gitlab CI/CD, Kubernetes, Helm, Knative and Docker, Terraform).
• Web Frontend development - React, Typescript/Javascript.
• Web Backend development - REST APIs, Java, SpringBoot, Python, Rust.
• Experience in web development (JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular).
• Experience using a debugger to debug a compiled binary or script.
• Understanding of core computer science fundamentals (e.g., algorithms, memory management, problem solving).
• Understanding of operating system internals.
• Ability to lead software development team and build good working relationships with the technical cohort in ASD.
• Focus on meeting best practices for code quality, performance and security.
• Experience in software engineering with proven delivery.
• Good collaboration and user engagement skills with professionalism.
• Ability to understand full stack development environments and have informed discussions with other technical staff.
• Operate independently with minimal direction and ability to lead small technical team to deliver outcomes.
• Ability to code, test, review and document complex work and applications.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced technical team members.
• Allocate work, set priorities and develop strategies for small development team.

Application Closing Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026

For further information, please review the Information Pack on http://www.asd.gov.au/careers