The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is seeking to engage a Principal Developer (HPC Optimisation) to lead projects, training and operational support.

DETSI currently maintain Linux and Microsoft Windows-based high performance computing clusters, mass data storage systems, and ancillary infrastructure to support a diverse user base focused on scientific computing. Typical workloads range from satellite image processing to climate science, with machine learning and other innovative techniques actively explored.

Job details

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is seeking to engage a Principal Developer (HPC Optimisation) to lead projects, training and operational support.

DETSI currently maintain Linux and Microsoft Windows-based high performance computing clusters, mass data storage systems, and ancillary infrastructure to support a diverse user base focused on scientific computing. Typical workloads range from satellite image processing to climate science, with machine learning and other innovative techniques actively explored.

The successful candidate may come from a diverse career pathway, including traditional HPC, software development, data modelling with experience in large-scale computing, or other alternative pathways.

Your role:

As the Principal Developer (HPC Optimisation) you will:

- Offering expert guidance to scientific staff on software management and dependencies and developing or improving their workflows and use of the HPC systems.
- Providing training to scientific personnel to enhance their understanding of HPC capabilities.
- Creation of and updates to technical documentation to support system understanding and usage.
- Developing and maintaining high performance computing (HPC) systems and optimising batch processing to support scientific researchers in their use of extensive datasets.
- Implementation of and upgrades to infrastructure components, applying best practices for deployment.
- Provision of technical support to resolve issues with the base operating system and software applications.

We are looking for:

- Show strong demonstrated experience in complex code benchmarking and optimisation to improve existing computational models, ensuring accuracy and performance, in languages such as Python, Fortran, C/C++ and/or R.
- Experience in DevOps concepts and use of DevOps tools such as Git, continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) and automated testing.
- Use your consultation, interpersonal and written communication skills to deliver outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
- A collaborative team member who is motivated to develop and maintain your skills and be open to learning new ways of working.
- Understanding of cloud infrastructure such as AWS, Azure, Openstack or Kubernetes.
- Experience in Science or Research computation.
- Experience in mass storage systems, and experience with hierarchical storage management using tape libraries.
- Use your training, interpersonal and written communication skills to develop and deliver training for clients and stakeholders, either as individuals or group settings.
- Experience with AI technologies such as Machine learning and/or understanding of GPU technologies such as Tensorflow, SciPy, Keras, GeoPandas, xarray (Python) and/or data formats such as HDF5 and NetCDF.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/683829/26

Closing Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 683829 26 Role Description v1 (Word, 609KB)