Software Engineer – Artificial Intelligence

03/09/
21/10/
Permanent – Full Time
Adelaide and Edinburgh
AI, ML, Robotics and Data Analytics,Software & Computer Systems Engineering
  • Become part of a vibrant workplace with skilled, friendly, and supportive colleagues.
  • Push the boundaries of defence technology and your AI, ML and software skills.
  • Access mentorship and support for continuous learning and professional development.
  • Benefit from competitive remuneration, flexibility, and a balanced work/life environment.

Are you a Computer Scientist or Software Engineer with a passion for, and experience in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning? Do you want to have an impact in advancing Australias Defence capabilities through developing cutting-edge AI driven technology? We are seeking a mid-level software engineering and AI professional to join our team. This position provides the opportunity to work with a high performing team on projects covering a range of exciting AI technologies, including Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models, Robotics, and various Generative AI technologies.

About us

Swordfish has niche expertise lying at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and Australian Defence capability. We are a Research Engineering Services company that specialises in delivering transformative innovation to Government, the Australian Defence Forces, and Defence Industry clients, helping them solve their most challenging technology problems to achieve their mission securing Australia and its national interests. 

Our Defence expertise includes Electronic Warfare, Combat and Mission Systems, Autonomous Systems, Operational Analysis, Cyber Security, Aerospace and various applications of Modeling and Simulation. Swordfish currently employs a team of over 85 talented and passionate professionals with skills spanning many disciplines but all sharing common foundational Agile Software Engineering skills, a collaborative work ethos and commitment to continual learning.

We offer the opportunity for the right candidate to work amongst high-calibre, passionate and collaborative teammates, employing Agile software engineering practices, a variety of modern tool stacks, and cutting-edge AI/ML technologies to create solutions that have a real impact to the ADF.

At Swordfish we place the highest value on our people. We see opportunity in what each individual brings to the table. We act with integrity and support each other to achieve our best. We strive to maintain an open, honest working environment by fostering a culture of collaboration and trust that welcomes new ideas and alternative solutions. We are passionate about what we do and eagerly welcome newcomers to our teams.  

Job Description

What we are looking for

We are seeking a skilled Software Engineering professional with a strong background in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.  Masters or PhD qualifications in AI would be highly regarded. Experience in software development, including coding, testing, automation and deployment is essential. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in a broad range of AI techniques and technologies, knowledge of multiple programming languages, modern frameworks, software architectures, Agile engineering practices and DevOps.

Responsibilities will include stakeholder engagement, conceiving and fostering new and innovative ideas, leading AI/ML software design and implementation, supporting the professional development of junior staff and supporting company leadership to set strategic goals.

What you will do

  • Directly contribute to prototyping, implementing, testing, and building AI applications
  • Engage with clients and your team in analysing requirements and identifying opportunities to advance project objectives, and improve the engineering practices and processes
  • Drive project success by performing project management, communicating project status to partners, and clients and responding promptly to feedback
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in AI, ML, and Software technologies assessing their applicability to extant and future Defence capability development projects
  • Support the development of junior engineers through effective management, pro-active mentoring, and technical/ code reviews.

Desired Skills and Experience

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Strong knowledge of core machine learning models, algorithms and techniques
  • Experienced in coding with python and ML/Deep Learning libraries such as OpenCV, Tensorflow, Keras, and PyTorch
  • Excellent software engineering skills and the ability to write clean, reusable code
  • Configuration management tools and practices
  • Research and problem-solving abilities; enthusiasm to learn and share latest methods/techniques within the team.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to foster effective stakeholder relationships
  • Adaptability and resilience in a dynamically evolving environment
  • Commitment to ongoing self-improvement and professional development

Desirable Skills and Experience

  • Experience in managing complex Software Engineering and AI projects
  • Leadership, including managing and mentoring junior team members and fostering effective collaboration between cross-functional and multi-agency teams.
  • Docker container development and deployment
  • Microservice Architectures
  • Knowledge of cloud computing platforms and experience with big data technologies is a plus.
  • Atlassian tools; Confluence, Jira, and BitBucket

Qualifications

  • Bachelors or higher degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields. (Higher AI/ML, and mathematics qualifications and/or experience would be highly advantageous)
  • Australian Citizenship. Successful candidates must be eligible to hold and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance. Please see the following URL for eligibility requirements: Australian Government Security Vetting Agency

Location

Swordfish is headquartered in the Adelaide CBD with our teams operate from Adelaide and Edinburgh. If you have specific requirements, please discuss them during your interview.

Benefits

  • Interesting and rewarding work
  • Fun, and supportive culture
  • 37.5 hour working week with flexible work arrangements and work-life balance
  • Support for your professional development
  • Attractive remuneration
  • Relocation support if you live interstate

 How to apply

  • Applicants must be Australian Citizens to meet Defence security requirements for the position.
  • Apply for this role by submitting your application online with a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this role and how your skills, knowledge and experience are relevant to