SoftLabs - EL2 Principal Java/Bespoke Software Engineer (Developer)

Software Engineer is needed in Canberra, Australia.

Client: SoftLabs

Location: Canberra, ACT, au

Contract: Contract

Job Description

In this role, you will support and develop the Department’s life critical application NEXUS, which is used by the Rescue Response Centre Australia (RCCA) to coordinate assets in maritime and aviation search and rescue incidents and manage pollution events. You will support NEXUS users including RCCA Staff and RCCA Intelligence Operators.

NEXUS consists of multiple components built on various technologies/languages (.NET, Java, AWS, Oracle PL/SQL, ArcGIS). The focus of this role will be on supporting, maintaining, and developing solutions for NEXUS’s cloud and back-end Java/AWS/Oracle components. You will work in a small team of skilled Java and .NET developers/SMEs with extensive business knowledge.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop enterprise-grade software using Java and Oracle technologies.
• Develop and maintain web-based UI using ReactJS, CSS, and HTML.
• Design and implement data models using Oracle Database.
• Implement CRUD operations on the database using Java Object-Relational Mapping frameworks.
• Produce and maintain detailed design artefacts & technical specifications.
• Create and work with RESTful OpenAPI specifications, SOAP WSDLs, XML Schemas.
• Develop and maintain DevOps workflows using Jenkins, Git, Maven & Ant.
• Perform software releases following established processes.
• Provide advice and support for Applications Director & CIO.
• Provide on-call services as part of a team roster (rarely once per year).

Requirements

Essential Skills Required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• At least 8 years of Java experience, familiarity with enterprise design patterns, JPA, Hibernate ORM, and JEE is an advantage.
• Java web service development, SOAP and REST APIs, OpenAPI/XSD Schemas, XML/JSON, Spring/SpringBoot.
• Unix/Linux, Bash experience.
• Maven lifecycle management, Continuous Integration, Unit and System Integration testing.
• Major database experience, particularly in data modelling and stored procedures (Oracle preferred).
• Willingness to be 24/7 on-call (with rare escalation during night hours).
• AWS development experience (EC2, Lambdas, API Gateway, S3/SQS, Cloud Formation).

Technical Skills:

• Strong commitment to software engineering processes with proven ability to develop robust and maintainable software.
• Proven ability to document technical processes.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining automated testing and providing design feedback.
• Contributing to continuous improvement by developing and enhancing procedures and documentation.

Essential Criteria:

• Programming/software development: Level 6 (SFIA) - Involves developing organizational policies, standards, and guidelines for software construction and refactoring.

Additional Information

• Initial Contract Duration: 12 Months
• Extension term details: 12 Months
• Number of extensions: 2
• Location: ACT
• Security Requirements: Must be able to obtain Baseline clearance
• Working Arrangements: Hybrid (ability to attend office but regular WFH available)
• Maximum hours: 40 hours per week
• Must be okay with being on-call 24/7/365 as per team roster for critical lifeline break-fix responsibilities.
• Application Deadline: Monday, 10 August 2026
• Expected Start Date: Tuesday, 01 September 2026
• Job Type: Contract