Engineering the future world of work

The availability of rewarding Software Engineer jobs in Australia has never been greater as digital transformation positions software at the heart of many business models today. With efficiency a major goal, Software Engineers who can build, design and manage superior software systems are highly desirable.  

Up for the challenge? Whether you’re looking to help a start-up become a Unicorn or make waves in a multinational corporate enterprise – we can get you there.  

Find my next Software Engineer job in Australia

Do you know what you want from your next software engineering job? The opportunity to make an impact in a forward-thinking start-up or shake up an ASX-listed organisation? We can support you every step of the way to realise your potential. 

Our network of Australia’s top employers means we have Software Engineer jobs you can get excited about and the expertise to support you to secure them. 

Find your nearest office to get in touch with us, send us your CV or browse our latest available software engineering jobs.  

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Software Engineer job responsibilities

  • Build, design and manage software systems
  • Gather information and define requirements needed to build the respective system or application  
  • Consult with designers, business analysts and project managers on the most effective way to create and implement the software
  • Write code and coordinate tests on the software to make sure all bugs are removed
  • Review their individual code and the code of their colleagues
  • Launch the program and continue to monitor up until the final release
  • Identify any limitations in current systems or processes and present viable solutions  
Learn more about what’s included in a typical Software Engineer job description. 

Industries offering Software Engineer jobs in Australia

Software Engineer jobs can be found across a wide range of industries, including: 

Any organisation that needs to develop complex software will engage professionals in software engineering. Talented engineers are vital in ensuring that software systems meet a variety of requirements including functional and security requirements needed for businesses to thrive. 

Learn more about Software Developer jobs

Explore related areas of expertise

Your Software Engineer job questions, answered

Where can I find Software Engineer jobs in Australia? 

We regularly advertise new Software Engineers jobs right around Australia. Click below to check out all our Software Engineer jobs or those in your nearest city: 
    

What does a Software Engineer do? 

A Software Engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining software programs. To achieve this, a Software Engineer will analyse the needs of users and then design, build, and test applications that meet those requirements.
 
A Software Engineer takes a collaborative approach with other IT professionals including Designers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Architects and Data Scientists. This is to ensure that the desired outcomes of the project and goals of an organisation are fulfilled. 

What skills does a Software Engineer need to have? 

In Australia the job description of a Software Engineer can be interchangeable with that of a Software Developer, however some organisations may suggest that a Software Developer’s sole focus is coding on a specific application or function, where a Software Engineer looks at ‘larger scale’ solutions.
 
Moreover, it can be argued that a Software Engineer is required to apply additional ‘best practice’ principles relating to the design, development, testing, maintenance, and review of the programs built by Software Developers.
 
Notwithstanding, programming is an imperative part of the role. A Software Engineer is expected to have a comprehensive knowledge and experience in using various programming languages. Some of these include: Java, Python, JavaScript and Kotlin. Experience with databases such as Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and MongoBD is highly desirable.
 
On the other hand, efficiency is a major goal for organisations across all industries, and superior software is becoming a highly desirable solution. To achieve this, employers are looking for professionals that possess the following core  and technical skills.

 
Core Skills: 

  • Multi-tasking  
  • Attention to detail  
  • Teamwork

Technical Skills: 

  • Programming and Coding  
  • Software testing and debugging

Learn more about the most important Software Engineer skills and qualifications. 

What type of employers hire Software Engineers?  

The demand for Software Engineers has never been greater as many organisations have started to shift their business model approach towards a greater focus on the impact of technological assets especially software systems.
 
As a result, many industries seek the expertise of Software Engineers, including tech companies, financial services/fintech, retail, public sector, start-ups/scale-ups, and any organisation going through digital transformation.  

What technologies does a Software Engineer use? 

Programming Languages: Java, JavaScript, Node.js, React.js, C, C#,C++, and Python among others 
Databases: Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB 
Other: Experience with UNIX, Linux and Cloud systems, e.g. AWS, Azure 
Communication Platforms: Slack, Teams, Zoom, Google Meets etc

How much do Software Engineers earn in Australia? 

Software Engineers are amongst the highest earning IT professionals and are in high demand. Your salary will depend on your knowledge, experience and location.
 
As a mid-range engineer, you can typically expect a salary of around $90,000 to $120,000. As a Senior Executive, you would typically receive $115,000 to $150,000 or more on average.
 
Software Engineering presents an increasing amount of opportunities as the use of technology has become more prominent across a range of industries. For our latest guide on typical earnings as a Software Engineer, please refer to our Hays Salary Guide. 
 
Find a more detailed breakdown of the average Software Engineer salary.

How can I become a Software Engineer in Australia? 

The career path to becoming a Software Engineer in Australia begins with formal tertiary qualification in IT such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a comparable undergraduate degree. Or short courses with online, ‘in class-room’ providers that teach specific areas/technologies.
 
Apply for internships and gain experience building software applications. Expand your skill set. This may include becoming proficient in additional programming languages or expanding your knowledge on other key areas. This could include database architecture, strategic planning, or the emerging space of artificial intelligence (AI).
 
Gain formal recognition for your skills. Certification is available for a countless number of IT related skills. From Microsoft Azure to Amazon Web Services or Salesforce, these organisations offer formal certification.
 
Debug your resume. Software Engineers are in high demand and you need to ensure that your skills and qualifications are displayed in a manner which is clear for employers to see.
 
Attend Meetups, conferences and events that will help you improve your knowledge and share ideas with like-minded professionals.