Software Engineer

At Swordfish, we specialise in delivering transformative innovation to our Defence clients through integrated teams that combine the engineering disciplines with deep defence domain knowledge, specialist skills in the applied sciences, mathematics and digital technologies. We are passionate about applying quality engineering and embracing emerging technologies to bring innovative solutions to Defence.

Over the past 25 years, Swordfish has established a reputation for outstanding innovative R&D, and is a preferred and trusted industry partner to Defence clients. We are proudly Australian owned and operated and are committed to safeguarding our sovereignty, citizens, and national interests through helping to provide Australian Defence with a capability edge.

We strive to maintain a respectful and honest working environment that fosters a culture of inclusion, open collaboration and trust. Our teams welcome new ideas and alternative solutions, are passionate about what they do, and eagerly welcome new team members.

What we are looking for

A motivated computer scientist / software engineer with a passion for AI and with a particular interest in Machine Learning and Generative AI, to work as a valued member of our multi-skilled teams working closely with Defence researchers. You are a team player who loves to get hands-on in solving technically challenging problems in a variety of domains, including aerospace systems, combat and mission systems, electronic warfare, and robotics.

Our teams are engaged in a variety of projects developing next-generation Defence capability using technologies such as AI and Machine Learning (including Generative AI, CNNs, NLP, LLM and Computer Vision), Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and underpinned by best practice Software Engineering methodology.

We look for passionate people who enjoy technical challenges. We love problem solvers who want to keep learning, individually and as part of the team. We seek people who collaborate and help others. We care about helping each other and our clients to achieve their objectives.

What you will do

• Work as a member of a multi-disciplined software development team under the guidance of the Team Lead / Project Manager
• Research and develop novel software solutions employing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Adapt, customise, test and validate existing or newly trained ML models to meet specific task requirements.
• Consult with clients and your team in analysing requirements and identifying opportunities to advance the project objectives, and improve the engineering practices and processes
• Work across the full software development lifecycle on both Windows (.NET) and Linux platforms
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in AI, ML, and Software technologies assessing their applicability to extant and future Defence capability development projects
• Embrace Agile development and testing methodologies; promote and participate in collaboration in all stages of the system development life cycle
• Proactively manage project progress and communicate project status to the team lead, partners, and clients
• Provide/receive professional development support to/from other team members

Location

Swordfish is headquartered in the Adelaide CBD with our teams operating from Adelaide and Edinburgh.

Benefits

• Interesting and rewarding work
• Supportive mentors and friendly, experienced team members
• 37.5 hour working week with flexible work arrangements and work-life balance
• Support for your professional development
• Relocation support if you live interstate
• Attractive remuneration

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Python programming, and familiarity with ML and data science libraries like PyTorch, NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, OpenCV, TensorFlow, or similar.
• Excellent software engineering skills and the ability to write clean, reusable code. Knowledge of software‑engineering best practices: version control (Git), unit testing, code review, and documentation.
• Foundation in machine learning concepts, including supervised learning and model evaluation.
• 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 with computer vision, NLP, and other AI/ML applications.
• Exposure to large language models and experience developing conversational agents.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research, including literature review, study design, and experimentation, to solve complex real‑world challenges through broader AI/ML applications.
• Comfort deploying models as services or containers, with hands‑on experience using Docker and building CI/CD pipelines.
• Atlassian tools; Confluence, Jira, and BitBucket

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree or higher degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or relevant field.
• Australian Citizenship - candidates must be eligible to hold and maintain an NV1 Australian Defence Security Clearance.