Research Projects – CSOF4 and CSOF5

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: / Software Engineer - Robotics & Perception
Reference Number: / 11221
Classification: / CSOF4 or CSOF5
Salary Range: / CSOF4: AU $78K to AU $ 88K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
CSOF5: AU $92K to AU $100K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Pullenvale, QLD
Tenure: / Indefinite
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
Functional Area: / Research Projects
% Client Focus - Internal: / 20%
% Client Focus - External: / 80%
Number of direct reports: / 0
Reports to the: / Data61 Real-time Software Architectures Team Leader
Role Overview:
The role of Research Projects staff in CSIRO is to collaborate in scientific activities with other research staff usually by assisting with detailed planning, undertaking or assisting with experimental and observational work, and in carrying out the more practical aspects of the work. At senior levels, Research Projects staff may be involved in providing consulting services, science management and/or industry liaison.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a wide range of software to support delivery of projects to external clients in the areas of 3D mapping & perception, situation awareness & safety, vehicle automation, and other related areas in CSIRO's Autonomous Systems program. The role will involve a wide variety of software development tasks from low-level driver software to system integration through to data analysis and user-interface design and implementation. Strong experience in C++ development under Linux is essential for this role. Highly desirable skills include Python development experience, Robot Operating System (ROS) development experience and a working understanding of linear algebra and 3D geometry. Experience using LiDAR and cameras would be beneficial, as would experience developing graphical user interfaces. The successful candidate would be part of a diverse team of engineers, working on challenging and impactful projects for international clients.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
Software-related duties for CSOF4 and CSOF5 appointments:
  • Develop high quality C++ and Python software under the ROS framework to support delivery of projects to clients.
  • Actively participate in project scoping and implementation discussions and decisions.
  • Participate in field work to test, deploy and maintain technology developed in the projects (may require international travel).
  • Assist with technology transfer to the client or commercialisation partner.
  • Document software and systems for internal and external consumption and for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Additional software-related duties for CSOF5 appointment:
  • Liaise with clients to capture functionality and integration requirements, design constraints and acceptance criteria.
  • Develop software architecture for projects that will deliver required functionality whilst respecting internal and external requirements and constraints.
  • Lead the software development effort on specific projects, when appropriate.
  • Ensure best-practice code testing methods are used effectively.
General Duties for CSOF4 and CSOF5 appointments:
  • Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary, often regionally dispersed research team, to carry out tasks autonomously in support of scientific research.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, the business unit and across CSIRO, to reach objectives.
  • Adapt and/or develop original experimental methods/equipment/ software/concepts/ideas in support of existing and further research.
  • Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
  • Other duties as directed.
Additional general Duties for CSOF5 appointment:
  • Set-up and/or maintain effective and efficient work teams, allocate and manage resources and undertake staff performance management and career development.
  • Choose appropriate management strategies and communication styles to maintain high levels of motivation and productivity, give feedback for development purposes and provide support and direction for improvement, as required.

Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1.Education/Qualifications: Relevant Bachelors/Masters Degree &/or equivalent experience in Software Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, or other Degree with strong emphasis on software development.
2.Communication: High-level communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to anticipate the interests and knowledge level of an audience and present information and feedback accordingly.
3.Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
4.Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out non-routine tasks independently.
5.Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems and develop appropriate responses by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria for CSOF4 or CSOF5 Appointment:
1.Demonstrated proficiency in writing high-quality C++ code.
2.Demonstrated proficiency in using and configuring Linux-based computers.
3.The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out tasks autonomously in support of scientific research.
4.Demonstrated ability & willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches.
Additional Essential Criteria for CSOF5 Appointment:
  1. Demonstrated experience as a lead developer
Desirable Criteria for CSOF4 or CSOF5 Appointment:
1.Demonstrated experience using and developing software for the Robot Operating System (ROS).
2.Proficiency in writing Python programs for data analysis and processing.
3.Working understanding of linear algebra and 3D coordinate-geometry.
4.Demonstrated experience developing real-time software for applications using LiDAR and camera sensors.
5.Experience developing web-based user-interfaces for interacting with live data.
6.Experience with OpenGL and/or WebGL.
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to participate in fieldwork activities, both domestically and internationally.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at You may be asked to provide additional information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: .
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Fred Paulingvia email: or phone: +61 7 3327 4049
Please do not email your application directly toFred Pauling. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
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