Senior DevOps Engineer

Join one of the Hunter region’s largest tech teams and help shape the future of digital innovation in teaching and learning at the University of Newcastle.

As our Senior Developer / Tech Lead, you'll work at the intersection of technology, people, and ideas -partnering directly with academic and professional stakeholders to understand their needs, while leading a small, collaborative team to build GenAI-powered web apps and prototypes that deliver meaningful outcomes.

What you’ll do

• Lead squads delivering secure, scalable web and AI solutions in agile sprints
• Partner with stakeholders to define scope, solve problems, and deliver sustainable outcomes
• Build web apps with Generative AI features (including MCP) using Python, JavaScript (Node/React) and Power Platform
• Raise engineering standards through code reviews, development practices, automation, and security by design
• Design, automate and optimise CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure (Azure/AWS)
• Mentor developers and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

• Experience leading and mentoring software engineering teams
• Strong technical capability in cloud (Azure, AWS or GCP), CI/CD, automation, and modern web app delivery
• Experience integrating Generative AI platforms (e.g. ChatGPT, Azure AI Studio, Amazon Bedrock/Q) with applications, and familiarity with emerging MCP/agentic design patterns
• Proficiency in rapid application development with Python (Flask) and/or JavaScript (Node.js, React)
• Practical experience with low-code platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform
•  Excellent communication skills with a calm, outcome-focused mindset

This 2-year Fixed Term role will commence asap and will be based at our Callaghan campus (Awabakal land), with opportunity to WFH 40%. 

You must have valid Australian work rights. Visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role.

Why this role?

• Flexibility that works: 35-hour week and hybrid work (40% WFH) designed around life.
• Impact with speed: Build prototypes, pilots and MVPs that modernise how the University works.
• Modern stack: GenAI, MCP, Python, JavaScript, Power Platform, CI/CD, Azure, AWS.
• Career scale: Join one of the region’s largest tech teams, with access to technical training, mentoring and career development.
• Supportive culture: Ethical, collaborative people who celebrate wins and genuinely want each other to succeed.
• Purpose with impact: Contribute to education, research, and innovation that benefits our community.

Remuneration & benefits

• Total remuneration: $137,987–$160,986 p.a. (including super), commensurate with experience.
• Additional Benefits: Generous leave (including additional University days), paid parental leave, salary packaging, Fitness Passport, and more. See our benefits at a glance.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application. Your application should include:

• Your resume (max 5 pages)
• A cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and summarising how your skills and experience align with its requirements.

Contact Us

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments at any stage, please contact Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist, jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au, +61 2 4055 0612.  All requests will be handled with care and confidence.

For more information about this role, please contact Nick Stabler, Head of DevOps Engineering - Nick.Stabler@newcastle.edu.au

Our University

For 60 years, the University of Newcastle has been dedicated to outstanding education and research. We’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and in the top 40 universities globally for impact. Across our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore, the University of Newcastle enrols more than 37,000 students and is one of the region's largest employers.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.   

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community. Together, we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Closing Date: Sunday 12^th April @ 11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

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