Principal Software Engineer
• Contract duration: 12 + 24 months • Location of work: Canberra, ACT • Application closing date: Tuesday, 03 March 2026• Security Clearance: Existing, or able to obtain NV1 • Estimated start date: Wednesday, 01 July 2026
We’re seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join a high-impact technology team supporting the Australian Federal Police (AFP). This role offers the opportunity to work on mission-critical systems that directly support national law enforcement operations.
Key Responsibilities• Provide technical leadership and best-practice guidance across the software development lifecycle• Analyse requirements and existing applications; produce detailed design artefacts• Develop and enhance C# .NET, Angular, and legacy VB6 applications• Design and maintain REST APIs/WCF services• Implement DevOps activities including CI/CD pipelines (YAML, Octopus Deploy) and automation (PowerShell)• Collaborate with testing, release, and operations teams• Mentor and upskill team members while ensuring quality and timely delivery
Technical Environment• C# .NET, Angular, VB6• REST API / WCF• Oracle 11g/12c, PL/SQL, Entity Framework• DevOps: Azure DevOps, Octopus Deploy, YAML• Agile (Scrum), automated testing (xUnit)• Citrix, Windows Server, environment and configuration management
What We’re Looking For• Strong full-stack experience across modern and legacy Microsoft technologies• Proven experience working with Oracle and data-centric applications• Hands-on DevOps and CI/CD delivery experience• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical outcomes in small, high-performing teams