Software Engineering Lead

About this role

Software Engineering Discipline Lead Location Canberra, ACT Working Arrangement Full-time, Permanent Clearance Required Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Company Overview Our client is a leading Australian defence technology organisation delivering advanced engineering solutions that support national security and defence capability. With a strong reputation for innovation and technical excellence, they develop cutting-edge systems across defence, autonomous technologies, weapon systems, and space-related capabilities. The organisation offers engineers the opportunity to work on complex, mission-critical programs while building long-term careers in a collaborative and high-performance environment. Job Description We are seeking an experienced Software Engineering Discipline Lead to drive technical excellence, capability growth, and engineering governance across a large software engineering function. This is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping software engineering strategy, managing engineering capability, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality software solutions across multiple programs, products, and sustainment activities. You will lead discipline-wide initiatives covering workforce planning, engineering standards, quality assurance, capability development, and resource management while providing leadership and mentorship to Software Team Leads. This role is ideal for an accomplished engineering leader who thrives on developing high-performing teams, improving engineering maturity, and influencing strategic outcomes within a complex technical environment. Duties and Responsibilities • Lead the Software Engineering discipline across project delivery, product development, and sustainment activities. • Manage software engineering workforce capacity and oversee resource allocation across competing priorities. • Define, implement, and enforce software engineering standards, frameworks, and development processes. • Establish and maintain software verification, validation, and quality assurance practices. • Monitor software quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives. • Lead or oversee architecture reviews, code reviews, and engineering governance activities. • Manage software technical debt and develop long-term remediation strategies. • Oversee software development toolchains, version control systems, CI/CD environments, and supporting infrastructure. • Drive recruitment, workforce planning, capability development, and succession planning initiatives. • Lead performance management, career development, and mentoring activities for Software Team Leads. • Collaborate with senior engineering leadership to support delivery, innovation, and organisational growth. Education/Certifications Required • Degree qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline. • Professional engineering registration or the ability to obtain registration is highly regarded. Knowledge/Skills Required • 10+ years of software engineering experience within a complex engineering environment. • Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams or managing technical functions. • Strong understanding of software engineering governance, quality frameworks, and engineering best practices. • Experience delivering software solutions across the complete product lifecycle. • Experience managing geographically dispersed engineering teams. • Knowledge of software verification, validation, testing, and quality management practices. • Experience with software development toolchains, version control platforms, and CI/CD pipelines. • Familiarity with safety-critical or secure software development environments is highly desirable. • Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, communication, and decision-making skills. Employment Benefits • Senior leadership opportunity within a leading defence technology organisation. • Influence the direction and maturity of a large software engineering function. • Work on complex and nationally significant Defence programs. • Access to career development and leadership growth opportunities. • Collaborative and innovative engineering environment. • Competitive remuneration package and long-term career stability. Diversity and Inclusion We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Veterans Defence and Federal Government industry experience is highly desirable. We strongly encourage veterans and individuals with Defence experience to apply. Your unique skills and background are highly valued, and we are committed to supporting your transition into this role. About Cleared At Cleared, we provide tailored recruitment solutions to individuals seeking their next opportunity and to organisations searching for talent within Defence Industry, Intelligence and National Security.