Software Engineer - AI / Machine Learning

Posted: 13/03/2026

Closing Date: 12/04/2026

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Adelaide and Edinburgh

Job Category: AI, ML, Robotics and Data Analytics,Software \& Computer Systems Engineering

Are you a Computer Scientist or Software Engineer with a passion for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and the engineering discipline to turn research-driven ideas into efficient, robust, and usable software?

We are seeking a mid-level software engineering and AI professional to join our team. This position provides the opportunity to work with a high performing team on projects delivering AI-enabled software that contributes directly to Australia’s sovereign Defence capability and national security.

About us

Swordfish operates at the intersection of advanced technology and Australian Defence capability. We are a Research Engineering Services company that delivers transformative innovation to Government, the Australian Defence Force, and Defence industry clients, helping solve complex technology challenges in support of Australia’s security and national interests.

Our Defence expertise includes Electronic Warfare, Combat and Mission Systems, Autonomous Systems, Operational Analysis, Cyber Security, Aerospace and various applications of Modeling and Simulation. Swordfish currently employs a team of over 85 talented and passionate professionals with skills spanning many disciplines but all sharing common foundational Agile Software Engineering skills, a collaborative work ethos and commitment to continual learning.

We offer the opportunity for the right candidate to work amongst high-calibre, passionate and collaborative teammates, employing Agile software engineering practices, a variety of modern tool stacks, and cutting-edge AI/ML technologies to create solutions that have a real impact to the ADF.

At Swordfish we place the highest value on our people. We see opportunity in what each individual brings to the table. We act with integrity and support each other to achieve our best. We strive to maintain an open, honest working environment by fostering a culture of collaboration and trust that welcomes new ideas and alternative solutions. We are passionate about what we do and eagerly welcome newcomers to our teams.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Software Engineer with strong AI/ML interest and capability, and a passion for delivering innovative, high-quality engineered solutions.

You are someone who thrives in technically demanding environments at the intersection of AI, applied sciences, and software engineering. Your experience in areas such as computer vision, natural language processing, generative AI, and agentic AI, combined with strong software engineering skills and Agile development practices, will be instrumental in translating emerging ideas into practical, reliable Defence capability.

Experience in software development, including coding, testing, automation and deployment is essential. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in a broad range of AI techniques and technologies, programming languages, modern frameworks, software architectures, Agile engineering practices and DevOps.

Responsibilities will include stakeholder engagement, leading AI/ML software design and implementation, supporting the professional development of junior staff and supporting company leadership achieve strategic goals.

You will join our multi-disciplinary teams working closely with Defence researchers to solve complex, real-world problems in areas including aerospace guidance and control, combat management systems, multi-disciplinary optimisation, human identity verification, and resilient distributed information systems.

What you will do

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including close engagement with product owners and program leads

Contribute directly to the prototyping, implementation, testing, and delivery of AI-enabled applications

Engage with clients and project teams to analyse requirements, identify opportunities, and improve engineering practices and processes

Help drive project success through effective planning, delivery, communication, and responsiveness to client and partner feedback

Maintain awareness of emerging developments in AI, ML, and software engineering, and assess their relevance to current and future Defence projects

Support the development of junior engineers through mentoring, technical guidance, and code reviews

Essential skills and experience

3+ years of professional experience in Software Engineering

Experience in AI research and development, including computer vision, large language models, natural language processing, machine learning, and data science

Software Engineering including, architecture, design, implementation, testing, and integration

Proficiency in Python programming, and familiarity with packages like Numpy, Pandas, scikit-learn, Tensorflow, and PyTorch

Configuration management, tools and practices

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to foster effective stakeholder relationships

Adaptability and resilience in a dynamically changing environment

Commitment towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development

Desirable skills

Experience in managing complex Software Engineering and AI projects

Leadership, including managing and mentoring junior team members and fostering effective collaboration between cross-functional and multi-agency teams.

Object-Oriented software development in C++, C#, Java and/or Python

Docker container development and deployment

Microservice Architectures

Knowledge of cloud computing platforms and experience with big data technologies is a plus.

Atlassian tools; Confluence, Jira, and BitBucket

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields. (Higher AI/ML, and mathematics qualifications and/or experience would be highly advantageous)

Australian Citizenship. Successful candidates must be eligible to hold and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance. Please see the following URL for eligibility requirements: Australian Government Security Vetting Agency

Location

Swordfish is headquartered in the Adelaide CBD with our teams operate from Adelaide and Edinburgh. If you have specific requirements, please discuss them during your interview.

Benefits

Interesting and rewarding work

Fun, and supportive culture

37.5 hour working week with flexible work arrangements and work-life balance

Support for your professional development

Attractive remuneration

Relocation support if you live interstate