Senior Java Developer (Engine)

Come shape the future of education with us.

Griddle is a catalyst in education, enabling schools to offer a more personalised, engaging, and effective learning journey for every student. At Griddle, we want to revolutionise the educational experience by providing advanced timetabling solutions for our schools. 

Compass & Griddle are specifically designed to improve not only the school process but also community culture and student learning outcomes. Our school management ecosystem is now used in more than 4,500 schools across Australia and beyond and we’re joined by over 250 members of the Compass team, delivering smart school management solutions around the world.

About the Role & Team

We’re looking for a passionate individual to join our Griddle (Timetabling) team as a Senior Java Engineer working in our Engines Team. Reporting to the Griddle Engineering Manager, this role will be working on our timetabling product, Griddle, where you'll focus on building the core logic, algorithms, and frameworks that power our application.

What you'll do:

• Design, develop and maintain secure, scalable software that’s used by thousands of students, parents and teachers, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.
• Work closely with the Griddle Product & Leadership team to align engine systems with broader application goals.
• Establish strong connections with your team by sharing your ideas and feedback generously, while also being receptive to their input!
• Grow, learn, and thrive in a team who are committed to supporting you and helping you succeed.
• Continuously research advancements in tech, engine technologies, and mathematics-based problem-solving to enhance system capabilities.
• Mentor your fellow colleagues and drive the architectural strategy by employing industry best practices and following Griddle software engineering guidelines.
• Work together with Product Owners and Designers to understand our customers' needs and develop products that effectively address their challenges.
• Contribute to our diverse and inclusive culture and take pride in doing work that makes a real difference for school communities.

About You

You have:

• A keen interest in developing a high-quality product while meeting company objectives with other talented developers.
• A passion for software development and an interest in actively keeping up to date with new tech.
• Extensive experience troubleshooting complex software systems and can identify when a problem is worth solving for the customer and the business.
• A passion for mentoring junior colleagues and an interest in helping them grow as engineers.
• Pride and ownership over the software you build.
• Experience with modern product and engineering principles and practices.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• The ability to work independently and within a team environment.

Tech Stack

You will have:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in object-oriented programming languages (Java).
• Experience working with SQL/NoSQL databases such as MongoDB and is comfortable designing and implementing database solutions.
• Proficiency in leveraging mathematical principles for algorithm design, performance optimisation, and problem-solving in engine systems.
• Experience in testing practices eg. TDD or automation.
• Bonus points: Experience with Spring Framework, RabbitMQ or AWS.

What’s in it for you?

• We come together with our unique strengths to work towards a common purpose - shaping the future of education. When you join our team, you will collaborate with individuals who are passionate, driven, and open to embracing change in a fast-paced environment.
• A hybrid working environment - work from our Hawthorn Office & from home across the week.
• Learning & Development opportunities - we want you to grow and get the most out of your role!
• Parental Leave Program for both primary and secondary carers.
• 24/7 access to our Employment Assistance Program (EAP) through the means of face-to-face, livechat and phone support.

It is a really exciting time to join Compass. We are growing and need people who want to grow with us. 

We value individuals who are self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute to the success of our company. Compass is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Prior To Commencing Employment, You Require:

• A valid Employee Working With Children Check & National Police Check.
• Verification of unrestricted work rights in Australia, e.g. citizenship, passport, or birth certificate.