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, used by the Rescue Response Centre Australia (RCCA) to coordinate assets in maritime and aviation search and rescue incidents and triage pollution events. You will support NEXUS users, including RCCA staff and RCCA intelligence operators. The NEXUS system includes multiple components built on various technologies/languages (.NET, Java, AWS, Oracle PL/SQL, ArcGIS) that provide users with the capability to perform their operational business functions. The role will focus on supporting, maintaining, and developing solutions for NEXUS cloud and back-end Java/AWS/Oracle components.

As part of a small team of highly skilled Java and .NET developers/SMEs, you will contribute to the in-house support of NEXUS. Your responsibilities include developing enterprise-grade software, maintaining web UI, designing data models, implementing CRUD operations, producing technical specifications, creating RESTful OpenAPI specifications, developing DevOps workflows, and providing support for the Applications Director & CIO.

Requirements

Essential Skills Required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• At least 8 years of Java experience, with knowledge of enterprise design patterns, JPA, Hibernate ORM, JEE an advantage, and reactive programming an advantage.
• Java Web service development, including SOAP and REST APIs, OpenAPI/XSD Schemas, XML/JSON, Spring/SpringBoot.
• Proficiency in Unix/Linux and Bash.
• Experience with Maven lifecycle management, Continuous Integration, and Unit/System Integration testing.
• Major database experience with data modeling and stored procedures (Oracle preferred).
• Willingness to be available for on-call support (historically calls are rare).
• AWS development experience (EC2, Lambdas, API Gateway, S3/SQS, Cloud Formation).

Qualifications and Experience:

• Strong commitment to software engineering processes and proven ability to develop robust and maintainable software.
• A proven ability to document technical processes.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining automated testing while providing feedback on implementation and design.
• Ability to assist in the continuous improvement process by developing and enhancing procedures and producing documentation.

Essential Criteria:

• Programming/software development: Level 6 (SFIA).
• Develop organisational 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
• Working Arrangements: Hybrid with the ability to attend the office but regular WFH available.
• Maximum Hours: 40 hours per week
• Must be okay with 24/7 on-call responsibilities as part of a team roster.

Application Deadline: Monday, 10 August 2026

Expected Start Date: Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Job Type: Contract