RFQ-ASD- LH-05398 Cloud Solutions Architect
Due to the nature of clients we work with here at Kinexus and the projects these roles will be based on, an Australian Government Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) clearance is essential.
These opportunities do not have the ability to obtain sponsorship for a security clearance (including applicants who currently hold a security clearance seeking to upgrade).
ABOUT THIS ROLE
ASD requires Cloud Solution Architecture services to deliver cloud technology architecture solutions across a series of technology transformation initiatives within ASD and the NIC.
The Cloud Solution Architect will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing cloud-based solutions that meet the specific needs of the NIC and ASD. They will work closely with development teams and stakeholders to identify business requirements and functional specifications, assess technical feasibility, integrate any updated specifications and requirements into the architecture, and develop and deploy cloud based solutions that are scalable, reliable, and secure.
The role requires demonstrated experience in:
- making decisions regarding the most vital parts of the system that is being developed
- taking high level business requirements and industry best practice and translating into patterns, concepts, principles and working designs
- cloud computing technologies
- delivering successful cloud solutions
- excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex problems to management.
The Cloud Solution Architect will directly contribute to project planning, governance and approval processes, taking the lead on socialising designs and working with multiple teams to reach a successful outcome.
Estimated start date: Friday, 10 July 2026
Initial contract duration: 12 months
Extension term: 12 months
Number of extensions: 2
Location of work: ACT
Working arrangements: Onsite. Candidates must be willing to undergo ASD's Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement. Candidates required to have PV clearance.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is the federal agency responsible for foreign signals intelligence, cyber warfare and information security. ASD's purpose is to defend Australia from global threats and help advance our national interests.
Situated in Canberra, ASD employs over 2000 TSPV cleared workers. ASD's workforce is growing rapidly. Areas of growth include PMO, cyber security, systems administration and engineering, software development and network engineering.
A top-security, complex and highly technical environment, ASD plays a vital role in the defence of Australia. Long contracts (12 months+) available.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop capability roadmaps, models and plans to drive forward the TS Cloud strategy, taking advantage of opportunities to improve business performance.
- Manage the design, policies and standards, working proactively to maintain a stable, viable architecture and ensure consistency of design within the program, and gaining endorsement by the program and agency Design Authorities.
- Identify system, infrastructure and project interdependencies and balance competing demands to ensure project deliverables are achieved.
- Identify, document, and resolve issues and or problems that arise during the course of capability development cycle.
- Inform various stakeholders about any problems with the current technical solutions being implemented.
- Provide detailed specifications for proposed solutions and assess the business impact that certain technical choices have.
- Monitor industry products to gain knowledge and understanding of currently emerging Cloud technologies.
- Continually work with industry and research current and emerging technologies and propose changes where needed.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Experience/Certifications with AWS and Microsoft Azure.
- Minimum 3 years experience working in a NIC agency.
- Experience in IT cloud system design
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Essential Criteria
- Compliance Framework Expertise: Deep, hands-on experience with Commonwealth government frameworks like Essential 8 and AWS Conformance Packs. Must understand how to map technical controls to these requirements.
- Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Mastery: must be able to design systems where no user or device is trusted by default, regardless of their location i.e. public-facing through 'air-gapped' design.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) Rigor: Expertise in implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), Privilege Access Management (PAM), and the principle of least privilege.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) & Automation: To ensure auditability and repeatability, the architect must use tools like Terraform or CloudFormation.
- Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS): Knowledge of how to move data securely between different security classifications.
- Australian Citizenship and a TSPV security clearance is essential
Desirable Criteria
- Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Strategy: Experience connecting legacy "on-prem" government data centres to secure cloud landing zones.
BENEFITS
Why work for ASD?
- Work on interesting and prestigious projects vital to the ongoing defence of Australia.
- Flexible work environment; work the hours that suit you between 7am and 7pm.
- Low attrition rate: the great variety of projects and opportunities across different business areas ensure few workers leave ASD.
- Long contracts available.
- Fantastic growth opportunities available at any stage of your career.
Why Kinexus?
- Kinexus has been supplying TSPV contractors to government panels since 2004 and have a strong relationship with them. We are one of just 9 suppliers Australia-wide.
- Our experience in managing contractors in defence/national security industries means we understand the requirements from the Commonwealth, insurances and clearances.
- DISP accredited; we can hold clearances and manage renewals.
- Dedicated account manager (me!) who is your dedicated POC and offer continuous contractor care.
- Rate negotiation guidance in line with the SFIA framework.
- Dedicated payroll assistant who facilitates your taxes and super.
- We proactively chase timesheet approvers to ensure you get paid on-time and error free.
- Regular visits to Canberra for coffee, lunches and quarterly drinks events.
- We can facilitate novated car leases, LAFHA or salary sacrifice.
- We'll keep you up to date with the most appropriate, interesting opportunities in your field.
- Community matters. Kinexus supports women in Defence through our female mentoring program and rewards referrers through our Referral Rewards scheme.
- Support for your health and wellness through counselling support (EAP) available for all contractors and their families.
All applications should include your resume as a word document.
For more information, visit our website, www.kinexus.com.au or contact Cindace Prasad on 0449 511 324.
#LI-CP #SCR-cindace-prasad
