- Full Time, 35 hours
- Temporary for 12 months
- Location: Orange, NSW
- Professional Officer 1/4 – Salary starting from $118,296.00 + super and leave loading
Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.
About the Role
Join Department of Primary Industries & Regional Developments growing Agriculture & Biosecurity division and help shape the future of smart farming in NSW. We’re looking for an experienced and solutions-focused Senior Software Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation agricultural technologies.
As a Senior Software Engineer, you will be at the forefront of delivering advanced IoT, software, and firmware solutions for agtech demonstration farms and remote sensor networks across NSW. Your work will directly support research and operational efficiency through robust, scalable, and secure system designs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and maintain software systems, including data broker technologies
- Maintain and enhance applications in Java, Python, C, C++ and R
- Provide software architecture and integration advice to internal research teams
- Collaborate with external developers to design and implement APIs for DPIRD data systems
- Maintain and develop firmware for field-deployed sensors
- Design and prototype hardware circuits for field telemetry units
- Lead technical project management, including requirements gathering and lifecycle planning
- Ensure system architectures support high levels of security, availability, and data integrity
- Conduct testing, gather feedback, and improve software quality and performance
- Mentor junior engineers and support a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
This is a hands-on, technical leadership role, and will require regular engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.
About You
We are looking for an experienced engineer with a strong background in software systems, embedded development, and a passion for real-world technology solutions.
You bring:
- Advanced skills in Java, Python, C, C++ and R, with experience maintaining and scaling complex codebases
- Experience in software architecture and systems integration, especially in a research or multi-stakeholder environment
- Proficiency in firmware development for embedded systems, ideally in remote sensing or IoT contexts
- Ability to design and troubleshoot hardware circuits and telemetry units
- A track record of collaborating with external development teams and building robust APIs
- Strong communication skills to advise and guide internal research teams
- Capability to lead and mentor other software engineers, fostering professional growth and technical excellence
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous learning, and process improvement
You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy working at the intersection of software, hardware, and data - and if you're motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on regional innovation and agriculture.
Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.
If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the role description.
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Allen Benter, 0418 716 688, allen.benter@dpird.nsw.gov.au
Applications close: Sunday 20th July 2025 at 11:55pm AEST
If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.
What to expect next
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.
The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.
About us: Together, we are DPIRD
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.
Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.
The department brings together:
- Local Land Services
- NSW Resources
- Agriculture and Biosecurity
- Fisheries and Forestry
- Regional Development and Delivery.
With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.
Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.
