Software Development Engineer (C3D Programme Centre)

About the role

DSTA's Command, Control and Communications Development (C3D) Programme Centre develops software systems that enable the Singapore Armed Forces and government agencies to carry out their missions. It is looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems end-to-end, from understanding operational needs and shaping requirements to designing resilient architectures, building software, integrating systems and validating mission capabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Work with product managers, UX designers, developers and mission stakeholders to turn operational challenges into effective software capabilities.
• Engineer mission-critical C2 applications, contributing to architecture, software design and technical trade-offs on performance, resilience, security, safety, scalability and maintainability.
• Design and build user interfaces, geospatial capabilities, backend services and integration components across web, mobile and thick-client platforms.
• Plan and run system integration, verification and testing, troubleshooting issues across software, interfaces, networks and infrastructure.
• Leverage DevSecOps, automation, AI-assisted development and modern engineering practices while owning requirements, architecture, code quality, cybersecurity and testing outcomes.
• Raise engineering standards through code reviews, design reviews, technical discussions and communities of practice.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field; candidates with more than two years of relevant experience may be considered for a Senior Software Development Engineer position.
• Strong engineering fundamentals, learning agility, sound judgement and focus on user and mission outcomes.
• Interest in or experience across the software engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, architecture, integration, systems engineering and testing.
• Openness to using AI-assisted and agentic development tools responsibly.

Required skills

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, C++, Python or JavaScript.
• Understanding of data structures, algorithms, design patterns and software design principles.
• Exposure to frontend frameworks (e.g. ReactJS), mobile platforms, thick-client applications or GIS.
• Familiarity with REST APIs, WebSockets, authentication and authorization, and relational and NoSQL databases.
• Bonus: Agile (Scrum), DevSecOps, CI/CD, Git, AWS or Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, microservices, Linux, TDD, DDD and secure coding.

What we offer

• A multidisciplinary team of developers, architects, product managers and UX designers.
• Structured onboarding, mentorship, a buddy system and technical training from day one, including DSTA Academy programmes and industry-led courses.
• Autonomy, a collaborative environment and support for work-life balance.