Turn advanced AI into robust, real-world software.
Solve complex problems that demand real engineering judgement.
Work with talented people who value collaboration, technical excellence and curiosity.
Use your skills to strengthen Australia’s security and Defence capability.
Are you a Software Engineer or Computer Scientist who is excited by Artificial Intelligence, but believes that good engineering still matters?
We are looking for a software engineer with strong capability and interest in AI and machine learning; someone who can take promising research, algorithms and emerging AI technologies and turn them into robust, efficient and maintainable software systems.
This is not a role focused solely on research or concept demonstrators. We are interested in engineers who care about what happens after the initial idea works: software architecture, performance, testing, maintainability, integration, reliability and ultimately whether the technology can be trusted and used in a real operational environment.
You will work on challenging Defence research and technology projects where AI is increasingly important, but where sound engineering judgement remains fundamental.
About us
Swordfish operates at the intersection of advanced technology, applied research and Australian Defence capability.
We are a Research Engineering Services company that works with Government, the Australian Defence Force and Defence industry to solve complex technical problems and translate emerging research into practical capability.
Our work spans areas including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Electronic Warfare, Combat and Mission Systems, Autonomous Systems, Operational Analysis, Cyber Security, Aerospace, Digital Engineering, and Modelling and Simulation.
Swordfish employs more than 90 engineers, scientists and technical professionals. While our people come from a range of disciplines, we share a strong engineering culture built around collaboration, technical rigour, continual learning and delivering software that works.
You will have the opportunity to work directly with Defence researchers and domain specialists, explore emerging technologies and contribute to the engineering required to move ideas from research and experimentation towards credible operational capability.
At Swordfish, we place the highest value on our people. We value what each individual brings to the team, act with integrity, support each other to perform at our best, and foster an open and collaborative environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and better solutions can emerge.
Job Description
What we are looking for
We are seeking a Software Engineer with strong applied AI/ML capability, sound engineering judgement and a collaborative mindset.
You should be comfortable working across the boundary between research and production software: understanding emerging techniques, experimenting where appropriate, and applying disciplined software engineering to turn promising ideas into robust, efficient and maintainable systems.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary Agile team, collaborating closely with engineers, scientists, researchers, product owners and clients. We value people who contribute constructively to technical discussions, respond well to feedback, and take shared responsibility for both technical quality and team outcomes.
We use modern AI-assisted development tools where they provide genuine value, but we do not see them as a substitute for engineering expertise. You should understand their strengths and limitations, use them critically, and retain responsibility for architecture, design, correctness, performance, security and code quality. We are looking for someone who can review, challenge and improve AI-generated outputs rather than accept them uncritically.
Your AI experience may include areas such as:
machine learning and data science
computer vision and image processing
AI decision systems
natural language processing and large language models
model development, evaluation, integration and deployment
You do not need to be an expert in every area. Depth in one or more areas, combined with strong software engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn, is more important than superficial familiarity with a long list of technologies.
What you will do
Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary Agile team to plan, design and deliver high-quality software.
Design, develop, test and integrate AI-enabled software systems.
Translate research concepts, algorithms and prototypes into robust, maintainable engineered solutions.
Work closely with researchers, engineers, product owners and clients to understand requirements, constraints and changing priorities.
Evaluate and apply emerging AI technologies, including AI-assisted development tools, with appropriate engineering judgement and oversight.
Contribute to peer review, continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and the development of less experienced engineers.
Desired Skills and Experience
Essential skills and experience
5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
Software engineering fundamentals across architecture, design, implementation, testing, integration and deployment.
Practical experience applying AI, machine learning or data science techniques in software systems.
Programming capability, with an understanding of modern languages, software design principles and patterns.
Ability to critically evaluate technical approaches and AI-generated outputs rather than relying entirely on frameworks or tooling.
Analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in collaborative Agile teams and with technical stakeholders.
Adaptability, sound engineering judgement and a commitment to continual learning.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science or a related technical discipline.
Postgraduate study or deeper experience in AI/ML, mathematics or a related discipline would be highly regarded.
Australian Citizenship. Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance.
Location
Swordfish is headquartered in the Adelaide CBD, with our teams operating from Adelaide and Edinburgh.
Flexible work arrangements are available where appropriate to the role and project requirements. If you have specific requirements, we encourage you to discuss them during the interview process.
Why Swordfish
Technically challenging and rewarding work
Highly skilled, friendly and collaborative teammates
Direct engagement with researchers and technical specialists
Support for ongoing learning and professional development
Mentorship and opportunities to grow your technical capability
Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance
Relocation support for interstate candidates
How to apply
Applicants must be Australian Citizens to meet Defence security requirements for the position.
Apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your software engineering and AI/ML experience would contribute to Swordfish.
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