Senior Software Engineer (Mid-Level Considered) | Defence & Mission-Critical Systems

- Location: Melbourne (Hybrid / Flexible)

- Work Type: Full-time / Permanent

- Clearance Requirement: Australian Citizenship mandatory (holding or eligible for Defence Security Clearance: Baseline, NV1, NV2, or TSPV)

- Core Stack: Modern C++, C#, or Java | Distributed Real-Time Systems

We are actively engaging software engineers across Melbourne ahead of upcoming project expansions across major defence primes and mission-critical systems integrators.

These multi-year programs support long-term capability delivery across tactical command and control (C2), autonomous platforms, secure communications, and mission-critical data systems. While this role is scoped at the Senior level, strong Mid-Level engineers ready to take a step up into complex systems engineering environments are actively encouraged to apply.

The Technical Focus Working within multi-disciplinary systems and software teams across the full engineering lifecycle, you will be involved in:

- Designing and developing low-latency, resilient software components for distributed real-time platforms

- Writing clean, testable code in modern C++, C#, or Java across Linux and Windows environments

- Working on complex system integration, IPC, and real-time data distribution across high-assurance networks

- Participating in architectural reviews, interface definitions, and software design documentation

- Modernising build and test pipelines using Docker, CI/CD, and automated testing frameworks

- Collaborating with systems engineering and verification teams through to integration and deployment

Key Criteria




- Australian Citizenship is mandatory to satisfy Australian Defence security clearance requirements.

- Commercial software engineering background utilizing Modern C++, C#, or Java on complex or distributed systems.

- Solid grasp of object-oriented design patterns, multithreading, and systems architecture.

- Solid version control and configuration management discipline using Git.

- Pragmatic approach to balancing Agile software delivery with structured systems engineering standards.

Desirable Knowledge
- Prior exposure to defence, aerospace, maritime, or similar safety-critical domains

- Experience with real-time messaging protocols, middleware, or network architecture (e.g. DDS, MQTT, Mavlink)

- Familiarity with Linux environments, shell scripting, Python, or containerisation

- Experience building or integrating operator consoles, HMIs, or graphical interfaces
- An active Australian Defence security clearance (Baseline, NV1, NV2, or TSPV holders are strongly encouraged to apply)

Confidential Enquiries If you are an engineer looking for long-term project stability, technical depth, and modern engineering practices across the Melbourne defence and mission-critical sector, get in touch for a confidential discussion regarding current market rates and upcoming project roadmaps. Active clearance holders (up to TSPV) can expect immediate engagement on high-priority programs.

We are an inclusive employer committed to fostering a diverse and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of all ages, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

#SCR-iain-hay-higgins

📌 Senior Software Engineer (Mid Considered) | Defence & Mission-Critical Systems (Melbourne)
🏢 Emanate Technology
📍 Melbourne