Principal Software Engineer - EL2 | Federal Government ICT Program

Principal Software Engineer – EL2 | Federal Government ICT Program

Location: Canberra, Melbourne, or Brisbane

Contract Term: 12 months + up to 24-month extension

Rate: $180 – $220 per hour (inclusive of super)

Start Date: 1 July 2025

Security Clearance: Must have a baseline clearance (Local Workforce Hire can assist you in obtaining your clearance)

Reference: RFQ IDLH-02804

About the Opportunity
Local Workforce Hire has been invited to tender for a senior digital leadership role with Services Australia. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer (EL2 equivalent) to provide strategic technical direction, oversee large-scale development projects, and lead a team of engineers delivering complex national solutions across the agency’s SAP-based platforms.

This is a key opportunity to influence digital service delivery for millions of Australians and to contribute to the success of one of the most ambitious technology portfolios in the public sector.

What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a highly experienced and technically accomplished software leader who can:

• Translate emerging technologies and market trends into agency-aligned development strategies
• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and enhancement of enterprise software platforms
• Set and enforce standards for software quality, development methodologies, and maintainability
• Oversee architecture design, impact assessments, performance analysis, and continuous improvement
• Provide mentorship and leadership to engineering teams while managing priorities and deliverables
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, contributing to planning, policy, and ICT strategy

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic development roadmaps aligned with organisational priorities
• Lead development across SAP platforms including S/4HANA, ABAP, Fiori, SmartForms, CRM, ERP, and SuccessFactors
• Ensure release planning, testing, deployment, and transition align with government ICT standards
• Guide software construction, refactoring, systems integration, and build activities
• Oversee development of business-critical applications and ensure secure coding practices
• Represent the agency in intergovernmental forums and internal leadership groups
• Manage and build development team capability through coaching, succession planning, and professional development
• Contribute to cost analysis, feasibility studies, and the delivery of scalable, sustainable solutions

Essential Criteria (SFIA Level 6 Proficiency Required)
Demonstrated expertise and leadership across the following domains:

• Consultancy management and client engagement
• Emerging technology evaluation and implementation
• Enterprise-level software design, programming, release management, and development standards
• Systems development, integration, build automation, and secure design practices
• Development of policies, tools, and organisational standards
• Specialist advisory roles, technical documentation, and stakeholder influence

Desirable Criteria

• Strong business process improvement experience (SFIA Level 5)
• Previous experience working with Services Australia or the Department of Human Services
• Broad knowledge of enterprise architecture, reporting, and data migration strategies

Work Arrangement
The successful candidate must be available to work from the designated agency location (Canberra, Melbourne, or Brisbane) for the first six weeks. Ongoing hybrid work arrangements (minimum three days onsite) may be approved thereafter.

Apply
Please submit your resume online or feel free to call George on 0433 704 ***.