• Lead and grow a specialist AI/ML discipline delivering real Defence impact

• Join a dynamic work environment with friendly and supportive teammates

• Attractive remuneration, flexibility and work/life balance

Seeking a motivated senior computer scientist / software engineer to provide technical guidance and people leadership across our Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capability.

This role is responsible for leading the AI/ML discipline across multiple Defence-focused projects. You will act as a technical advisor, mentor and leader, and Defence-facing AI/ML representative, shaping both delivery and future capability.

You will work closely with the CTO, project leads, and Defence stakeholders to ensure AI/ML solutions are technically robust, fit for purpose, and aligned to customer and company priorities.

At Swordfish, we deliver transformative innovation through the integration of software and systems engineering, the sciences, and defence domain knowledge at the cutting-edge of Australian defence and space research. Over 25 years Swordfish has established a reputation for innovative R&D and is a preferred and trusted technology partner.

We offer the opportunities for the right candidates to work amongst high-calibre, passionate and supportive 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 our people are our highest priority. 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.  

A motivated senior computer scientist / software engineer with a strong background in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and a passion for building and leading innovative engineering teams working closely with Defence researchers.

You are a someone who loves leading teams in solving technically challenging problems in a variety of domains, including aerospace systems, combat and mission systems, electronic warfare, and robotics.

Our teams are engaged in a variety of projects developing next-generation Defence capability using technologies such as AI and Machine Learning (including Generative AI, CNNs, NLP, LLM and Computer Vision), Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and underpinned by modern Software Engineering methodology.

We look for passionate people who enjoy working with people solving technical challenges. We love problem solvers who want to keep learning, individually and as part of the team. We seek people who collaborate and help others. We care about helping each other and our clients to achieve their objectives.

As the AI/ML Discipline Lead, you will:

Discipline & People Leadership

• Lead and develop a growing team of AI/ML engineers

• Conduct performance reviews, mentoring, and career planning

• Support recruitment and growth of the AI/ML discipline

• Foster a strong culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and learning

Technical Advice

• Help define AI/ML engineering standards, architectures, and best practices

• Review and assure AI/ML models, designs, and implementations

• Guide applied research, model selection, validation, and deployment approaches

• Ensure solutions are fit-for-purpose within Defence environments

Defence Engagement & Strategy

• Act as the AI/ML project interface to Defence clients

• Provide AI/ML technical oversight across projects

• Maintain strong, trusted relationships with Defence customers and Swordfish senior leaders

• Lead AI/ML aspects of proposals, bids, and R&D roadmaps

• Present AI/ML capability to senior Defence stakeholders

• Contribute to long-term AI/ML capability planning in partnership with the CTO 

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

• Interesting and rewarding work

• Supportive management and friendly, experienced team members

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

• Support for your professional development

• Relocation support if you live interstate

• Attractive remuneration

• Proven experience leading a technical discipline, practice, or specialist capability

• Demonstrated expertise in AI/ML

• Experience mentoring and managing engineers, including performance and career development

• Strong software engineering background with high standards for quality and design

• Experience leading AI/ML contributions to bids, proposals, or client engagements

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior Defence stakeholders

• Commitment to ongoing self-improvement and professional development.

• Experience delivering AI/ML solutions in Defence or other regulated environments

• Exposure to large language models, NLP, computer vision, or autonomous systems

• Experience deploying AI/ML solutions in production environments (e.g. containers, CI/CD)

• Masters or PhD in a relevant field    

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline 

• **Australian Citizenship** - candidates must be eligible to hold and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance. Please see the following URL for eligibility requirements - https://www.agsva.gov.au