Senior Software Engineer

About Us

Established in 1983, CEA is an Australian company that designs, develops, manufactures and sustains advanced active phase array radar systems. Our design principles and commitment to investment in research and development ensure innovative thinking, technological skill and quality fabrication are at the heart of our business. We work in partnership with Defence industry and Government to provide highly modular and scalable products which are integral to a wide range of critical Defence capabilities.

The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to join our team and contribute towards the design and development of software to be incorporated in specific CEA products, at our headquarters in Canberra.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop and maintain embedded software for custom real-time systems.
• Design, develop and maintain PC-based software for simulation, analysis and control of embedded real-time systems.
• Lead system integration of software and hardware modules.
• Debug hardware interfaces.
• Specify and perform detailed analysis of collected data.
• Design, develop and execute software and system tests.
• Provide expert direction and technical guidance to all Software Engineers.
• Lead software architecture and design processes.
• Perform modelling and simulation of complex algorithms and system components.
• Provide technical customer support.
• Maintain thorough documentation for all development work completed.
• Lead continual improvement of software methodologies and processes.
• Lead on-site installation, testing and maintenance of delivered systems.
• Develop and deliver formal and informal training to colleagues.
• Provide technical input into business development processes (bids).
• Analyse, evaluate and purchase software engineering tools.
• Ensure and develop CEA software engineering practices.
• May have additional supervision or management responsibilities.

About You

• High proficiency in C/C++.
• Expert skills in real time embedded software engineering techniques and technology.
• Expert understanding of microprocessor environments and related hardware interfaces.
• Expert in all components of the whole SDLC.
• Solid understanding of OO design methodologies and practices, with an emphasis on agile techniques.
• Solid understanding of compilers, linkers, debuggers and build systems.
• A detailed understanding of analogue and digital electronics and associated tools.
• A detailed understanding of source code control systems and their usage.
• Experience with Linux system administration is desirable.
• Ability to lead a team of Software Engineers.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• A good understanding of radar and communications technology.
• The ability to quickly understand and adopt new technology.
• A detailed understanding of CEA internal practices and procedures.
• Able to work for extended periods without supervision.
• Tertiary qualifications in Computer Science or Computer Engineering (including separate Computer Science component), with approximately 8-10 years' experience in software architecture/design at all levels.

Eligibility

• An Australian Citizen;
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an AGSVA clearance – Negative Vetting 2. The successful candidate MUST be able to obtain clearance prior to commencement.

• ITAR - This position requires employees to access equipment and data that is subject to U.S International Traffic and Arms Regulation (ITAR). As such, applicants must disclose the following information at the time of application.

• Place of Birth

• Countries of current or past citizenship (including any dual citizenship or nationality) and residence,
• Countries of issue for current and past passports and
• Other information related to their nationality for security and ITAR compliance purposes.

To find out more about our Citizenship and Nationality requirements, please visit

What we offer you

• Competitive Remuneration
• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year of employment, 10 days more than the 4 weeks (20 days) of annual leave mandated by the National Employment Standards (NES)
• Generous superannuation contribution of 14.0% of your ordinary earnings, a rate 2% higher than the compulsory superannuation guarantee percentage required by applicable legislation
• Free on-site, secure car parking for all Canberra-based employees
• Paid Parental, Compassionate, Defence & Voluntary Emergency Services leave
• Employee Assistance Programs, an onsite counsellor and other employee wellness initiatives
• Access to discounted private health coverage with Defence Health and Navy Health
• Salary Packaging
• Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development

How to apply

Click on the 'Apply Now' button below. Please include a current copy of your resume/curriculum vitae and complete the screening questions. Applications without these elements will not be considered.

CEA encourages the submissions of early applications as we may review, short-list and/or conduct interviews for this role prior to the closing date.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at CEA

CEA is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to create a culture where all employees are respected and empowered to contribute positively to our organisation, regardless of their cultural background, age, gender identity, neurodiversity, disability, family and carer commitments, religion or sexuality. We welcome applications from veterans, those returning from a career break, people with disabilities and those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

For information on Equal Employment Opportunity & Privacy or Security & Citizenship requirements please visit

Should you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know. You can also email for a confidential discussion.

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted