Let’s get right to it; would you like to build things that have literally never been built before? Do you love questioning how things work and truly getting to the crux of something? Are you handy with low-level programming (C, specifically)? If so, keep reading as this is a role you’ll likely want to explore.
First things first, the business in question is a consultancy, however they’re a consultancy with a HUGE “but.” The “but” is that this consultancy only service the public sector. Wave goodbye to Telcos, Retailers and Banks, and say hello to meaningful work with a very real purpose. Wave hello to a hybrid WFH model which you dictate.
This consultancy is a small, tight-knit group. A nimble, highly specialised group of operators they are. A lumbering cast of hundreds they are not. Although difficult to qualify, take my word that the people who choose to work with this business are some of the sharpest operators in Australia. Creativity and intelligence abound, as does a very real culture built on flexibility and work-life balance. This is a friendly group who can enjoy a laugh, throw some axes, and sip a beer together while delivering some of the most impressive work out there.
So, what will you actually be doing? - Software development, especially low-level system coding in C.
- As you move further up the stack, Python will likely be your weapon of choice.
- Maintaining a flexible language approach to solving tricky problems (perhaps Java or C++ would better suit your needs on a given piece of work).
- Conducting some applied research / R&D; not pie in the sky stuff, you’ll be solving solvable problems, typically with a security focus.
- You’ll be doing a lot at the OS level – real deep dive stuff. Think internal OS’s, distributed systems, system drivers, etc.
- Utilising the skills which, in days gone by, used to be called “Systems Programming”, and perhaps getting creative with firmware.
- As/when/if required, performing reversing engineering.
What’s this business all about, and what do they do? In simple terms, this business can be split into three (3) domains: Research, Software, and Operational.
In the Research Domain you’ll be tackling R&D work, security oriented. Think OS internals, some vulnerability research, looking at interesting things, tearing them apart and going hunting for answers.
Within the Software Domain, you’ll be building some incredibly bespoke things which have a meaningful impact – often in C – and applied research is still conducted in this domain (you might know they answer you’re looking for, but not how to get there). The solutions built in this domain are assured to a very, very high standard – often underpinned by specialised tooling – and while you’ll be playing in the low-level a lot, more traditional, higher-level work is performed from time to time. The things you’ll be building and problems you’ll be solving aren’t the type that can be tackled with a quick Stack Overflow search; you’ll need to get creative and really sink your teeth in to solve these problems.
Across the Operational Domain, once a solution is built, this group doesn’t say “see you later” to their clients. They stick around, supporting their clients with things like integration, deployment, automation, validation, etc. Although it’s this group’s clients who “drive the car,” rest assured this business hands the car over in 100% working order, and with all the mod cons, it must be said.
Something to keep in mind is that although this business is a consultancy, they don’t deliver their work through a “death by a thousand engagements” model. Their work is more rolling, and less deadline driven. Work-life balance has been enshrined into the business model since day one.
Right. What do you need to succeed in a role like this? - You need to be an Aussie citizen. No getting around this, alas. If you hold a current security clearance, all the better.
- You need to be a real weapon with C, and low-level programming in general. If you merely “dabble” in C, that likely won’t cut the mustard, unfortunately.
- C aside, you need to be an accomplished programmer across the board. As mentioned above, C might not be the best language for every single one of your projects. It’s on you to determine what tools to use to get the job done, and those tools might not always be C.
- Ideally, you’ll be based in our nation’s beautiful capital, Canberra, but consideration may be given to interstate individuals.
- You need to be someone who detests the idea of “good enough is good enough.” In this role, “good enough” simply isn’t. You need to be a deep diver, a bulldog who gets stuck into something and doesn’t let go until it’s done.
- You need to be, well… smart. We’re not after Mensa members, necessarily, but you’ll have to be cluey enough to approach some really tricky things with a cool, calculating head, and solve problems others would baulk at.
HOW TO APPLY Firstly, please know that any application you make is treated with abject confidentiality. The only people who will know you’ve applied are you & me. Reach out, and let’s have a chat about YOU.
Click APPLY and/or contact Michael directly on mpearman@decipherbureau.com for a 100% confidential, informal conversation where your privacy will absolutely be respected.
Decipher Bureau and the clients we partner with are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.