Full time, fixed term for 12 months, with strong potential for multi-year extension subject to performance and continued project funding Based at the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR), University of Sydney Base Salary $131,108 - $147,858 17% superannuation About the opportunity The Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) has been instrumental in developing breakthrough technologies, conducting world-renowned research and developing field robotics principles and systems. We are currently seeking to hire a Senior Engineer Lead to take primary technical responsibility for the design, build, integration, and field deployment of software systems for ground robots operating in extreme field environments. Working under the broad direction of the Chief Investigator, you will design and maintain the core software framework, autonomy framework, and data pipelines for ruggedised autonomous platforms intended for sustained operation in rugged outdoor terrain across multiple application domains. This is a senior individual contributor role. You will work autonomously on the software scope of the platform, with technical assurance provided by the Senior Software Technical Lead at defined design reviews, and with close collaboration alongside the Mechatronics Engineers and Postdoctoral Research Fellows whose autonomy research integrates with the framework you build. The appointment is offered initially for 12 months. The programme is funded across multiple years and there is strong potential for extension subject to performance and continued funding. Your key responsibilities will be to: act as the primary software designer for the platform, ensuring software is robust, efficient, reliable, and fit for purpose in field robotics applications design and develop the core software framework, including middleware, sensor drivers, communications stack, and platform control software design and maintain the autonomy framework into which research outputs are integrated design and operate data pipelines for capture, transmission, storage, and handover of field-collected research data lead the writing of portable, reliable and maintainable source code in C++ and Python, targeted for ROS2 and Linux, conforming to a style guide and with unit tests objectively assess the quality and validity of results in selected scenarios, and identify issues requiring further investigation prepare, conduct and support tests of robots in the field, including in-field debugging collaborate closely with Mechatronics Engineers on the software-mechatronics interface support the Project Manager in planning, risk management, field trials, and reporting occasionally travel to rural areas and/or interstate to support fieldwork The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for someone who has: tertiary qualifications in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent training and experience strong programming experience in C++ and Python with at least 3 years' experience in robotics or autonomous systems contexts proficiency in robotics middleware, in particular ROS2 (or equivalent), including node design, lifecycle management, and tooling experience with Linux systems and embedded systems knowledge of object-oriented design, multithreaded and multiprocess applications, and software architecture for robotics platforms experience integrating research code from collaborating researchers or end-users into a stable platform software framework experience designing and operating data pipelines for autonomous platforms in field conditions ability to work autonomously under broad direction within a research and development environment ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams alongside mechatronics, autonomy research, and research domains experience with sensor fusion, point cloud or image processing, path planning, or machine learning applied to robotics (desirable) field deployment experience and in-field debugging on autonomous platforms (desirable) Sponsorship / work rights for Australia You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Pre-employment checks and declarations Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. How to apply Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications Close Friday 29 May 2026 11:59 PM