What does it truly mean to be a Software Engineer, and how is “quality” defined in the world of software development? Join David Snowdon, Nick Ellsmore, Pia Seeto, and Robe Pike as they discuss the core responsibilities of software engineers and the critical role quality plays in building effective, reliable systems.
Through real-world examples and practical insights, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how software engineers shape the products we rely on and what it takes to ensure those products meet high standards.
The event will also include an Industrial Training Advisor who will speak about internships and work experience opportunities, and their value in preparing for a career in tech. Whether you're aiming for a career in software development or exploring your options, this event is designed to inform and inspire.
This event is open to all Computer Science and Engineering students.
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David is a successful engineer and entrepreneur. He completed a PhD at CSE/NICTA with Gernot Heiser, working at the nexus of operating systems and power management, building real world hardware and software systems.
He’s since spent 15 years in financial markets technology — first working to optimise high frequency trading systems, and then in building hardware and software products. Within that journey, he co-founded Metamako to build network devices purpose-built for trading systems — making exchanges, brokers, banks and traders measurable, faster and more precise. These products are now the dominant layer 1 switching gear used worldwide, sitting at the core of critical infrastructure at the ASX, NYSE and Eurex.
After an acquisition by Arista Networks, David went on to head the Engineering team in Australia, before taking some time out to find the next big thing. He has a deep enthusiasm for technology, and how it can be applied in the real world to make a difference, spending ten years building and racing solar powered cars with UNSW’s Sunswift team.
Nick Ellsmore leads the cybersecurity domain at Mantel Group. Nick founded, built and sold two of Australia’s leading cybersecurity professional services firms: Hivint, acquired by Trustwave in 2018; and SIFT/Stratsec, acquired by BAE Systems Australia in 2010. Both companies were Telstra Business Awards Winners and members of various ‘fast growth’ lists.
He is a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, and has served on boards and forums including the Internet Industry Association, the NATA AAC for Software Testing, UNSW Advisory Boards, and as an Australian delegate to the APEC TEL Security & Prosperity Steering Group.
Pia Seeto is the Head of Planning & Reporting for Technology at TPG Telecom. She works with the Technology Executives to form the technology strategy for the services TPG Telecom provides to the community. She is Alumni of UNSW Computer Engineering and chairs the Industry Advisory Board for the School for Computer Science and Engineering. She was awarded the UNSW Women in Engineering, Dr Judy Raper Award in 2014.
Rob Pike worked from 1980-2002 at Bell Labs Computing Sciences Research, then until 2021 at Google designing and building systems and infrastructure. He is co-designer and co-implementer of Plan 9, UTF-8, and the Go programming language.
