Senior Software Engineer

About the job

Our client, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), is seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Full-Stack Web Developer) to support the Digital Transformation Program within the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). The successful candidate will design, build, and maintain high-quality web applications using React and/or Angular while integrating with backend technologies and cloud-based analytics platforms. This role requires a combination of frontend and backend development expertise, adherence to software engineering best practices, and collaboration with stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions.

Key skills and experience requirements:

• Strong expertise in React and/or Angular, including modern frontend frameworks, hooks, context API, and state management.
• Demonstrated experience in full-stack development, following best practices in software engineering for both frontend and backend applications.
• Proven experience working with Engineering, Storage, and Analytics services in cloud environments such as Azure and Databricks.
• Agile development experience, collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Experience developing and consuming RESTful APIs, including authentication mechanisms such as OAuth and JWT.
• Strong background in backend development, using Node.js, Python, or similar technologies.
• Familiarity with SQL and NoSQL databases, with experience optimising data storage and retrieval.
• Experience with CI/CD processes, containerisation (Docker), and cloud deployments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify and resolve technical issues proactively.

Primary Technologies

• Frontend: React.js, Angular
• Backend: Node.js, Python
• Cloud Platforms: Azure, Databricks
• Databases: SQL, NoSQL
• DevOps: CI/CD, Docker, Azure Function Apps, Logic Apps
• Authentication & Security: OAuth, JWT, security best practices

Key duties

• Design, develop, and enhance web applications based on user needs and project priorities.
• Write clean, secure, and well-tested code that adheres to best practices for maintainability and reusability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and team members to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Maintain and troubleshoot deployed services, proactively identifying and resolving production issues.
• Develop intuitive user interfaces and seamless backend integrations to enhance application performance.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines and DevOps methodologies to ensure rapid and reliable software releases.
• Ensure compliance with security best practices, including authentication, data privacy, and cloud security measures.

Mandatory Criteria

1. Frontend Expertise: Strong expertise in React and/or Angular to design, build, and maintain high-quality web applications.
2. Full-Stack Development: Demonstrated experience in frontend and backend development, following best practices in software engineering.
3. Cloud Infrastructure: Proven experience working with Engineering, Storage, and Analytics services in cloud environments.
4. Agile Development: Experience working collaboratively within an agile development team, ensuring effective sprint planning and iterative project delivery.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with Azure Web Apps, Function Apps, and Logic Apps.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, including Docker containerisation and cloud-based deployments.
• Understanding of data warehousing concepts and cloud-based data processing.
• Strong analytical skills, with a collaborative approach to software development.

Security Clearance

Candidates must hold AGSVA Baseline security clearance.

Working arrangements

• Location: Canberra, ACT.
• Hybrid work model: Minimum 3 days onsite per week.
• Hours: Up to 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday).

Period of engagement

Initial 4-month contract, with a potential 12-month extension.

About the organisation

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) plays a vital role in supporting agricultural industries, biosecurity, and resource management. The ABARES Digital Transformation Program is focused on enhancing data accessibility, analytics, and web applications through modern cloud technologies.