This Job is based in Australia
Remuneration Level 6: $103,866 - $110,801 + 17% Superannuation Location: Kensington, NSW (hybrid flexibility to work from home and on campus 3 days a week)Fixed Term for 12 monthsFull Time (35-hour week)Two positions available!
Why The Role Matters
The Software Engineer will play a key role in the development, maintenance, and optimisation of the Centre’s API-driven digital infrastructure that underpins a range of high-impact planning, housing, and transport research projects. The position focuses on building and supporting robust, efficient, and secure cloud‑based services—from APIs to data pipelines—that enable real-time data visualisation and machine learning applications. The Software Engineer will collaborate closely with front-end developers, machine learning specialists, and research teams to design, implement, and operate high‑performance services and automation workflows in the cloud. The role reports to the Centre Digital Infrastructure & Labs Manager and has no direct reports.
Accountabilities
(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)
Collaborate with Centre researchers and technical staff to support and maintain digital platforms and application services used for planning, housing and transport analytics. Develop, test and maintain front end and back-end APIs to support access to geospatial, transport and planning data using established frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Flask, Django, NodeJS).Apply standard security and access controls to applications and services in line with established practices and guidance.Support the use and maintenance of relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL), including data querying and routine optimisation tasks. Work collaboratively with researchers and developers to ensure data is accessible and fit for research visualisation purposes. Support the integration of software tools with analytical and modelling workflows under guidance from senior staff and researchers.Assist with deploying and operating APIs in cloud environments (AWS) using Docker and appropriate CI/CD practices and tools (e.g., Terraform for infrastructure‑as‑code).Prepare and maintain clear documentation for software, code and systems processes to ensure transferability for future development phases.Provide practical and proactive technical support to research platforms, lab infrastructure, and associated software environments.Support the preparation of research outputs, including reports, publications and associated technical documentation where required.
Skills And Experience
To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)
A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.Demonstrated experience developing back‑end APIs using FastAPI, Django, Flask or NodeJS, with strong understanding of REST principles and API lifecycle.Demonstrated experience working with PostgreSQL (including PostGIS if applicable), with solid skills in database querying, design and optimisation.Demonstrated experience with supporting asynchronous programming and building scalable API endpoints.Demonstrated experience with AWS services (e.g., ECS, RDS, S3, Lambda, Bedrock) and container‑based deployment using Docker.Experience with Infrastructure‑as‑Code tools such as Terraform or AWS CDK, including environment automation (dev/stage/prod).Experience or exposure to front‑end development using modern frameworks (e.g. React, JavaScript), including data visualisation tools where relevant.Knowledge of authentication and security practices, including token‑based authentication and role‑based access controls.Demonstrated experience developing within Unix/Linux environments, including scripting and deploying applications to cloud environments (e.g., AWS).Ability to work effectively within a small, agile team and clearly document code, systems and processes.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:
National and International Criminal history checksEntitlement to work and ID checksWorking With Children ChecksCompletion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention DeclarationVerification of relevant qualificationsVerification of relevant professional membershipEmployment history and reference checksFinancial responsibility assessments/checksMedical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Benefits And Culture
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.
Our Benefits Include
Career development opportunities17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading paymentsAdditional 3 days of leave over Christmas periodDiscounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits
How To Apply
Submit both a Cover Letter and CV online via the UNSW Job Board before Sunday 22nd February 2026 by 11:30pm. Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses the Skills and Experience mentioned in the advert (no more than 1 page).
Get In Touch
Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.
If you have questions about the role, please contact Christopher Pettit at c.pettit@unsw.edu.au
If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.