Solution Architect TSPV - LH-05244

Solution Architect

Client: Department of Defence (SA), on behalf of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)

RFQ ID: LH-05244

Estimated Start Date: Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Initial Contract Duration: 12 months
Extension Term: 12 months (up to 2 extensions)
Experience Level: APS6 Equivalent
Location of Work: ACT
Work arrangements:
Onsite
Between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday. Not including public holidays or shutdown periods. The candidate MUST be an Australian Citizen. Candidates must be willing to undergo ASD’s Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement. Candidates must have an active Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) Security Clearance. ASD will not sponsor candidates to upgrade their security clearances in order to apply for the role.

Security Clearance: Positive Vetting
Suitable candidates will be required to complete ASD’s Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to commencement.
A merit pool will be created as part of this evaluation for future requirements. Further information on the OSA is available at: https://www.asd.gov.au/careers/how-apply/candidate-information
Maximum Hours: Up to 40 hours per week

About the Organisation

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is a statutory agency in the Defence portfolio that defends Australia against global threats and advances our national interests through the provision of foreign signals intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations as directed by the Australian Government.

Job details

Solution Architects are responsible for the quality of solution architecture work across an organisation. They provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of systems and software to solve business problems.
ASD provides technical systems integration services for ADF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. To enable this, ASD requires the expertise of an experienced Solutions Architect. They will exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform subject matter expert role. They will exercise sound decision-making and judgement to provide expert policy and project services and advice. They will have in-depth knowledge of the service delivery function and are responsible for the development, implementation, compliance and review of policies and procedures relevant to their work within that function. They will engage in very complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and perform detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency. They will be responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships and will be required to identify relevant stakeholders’ expectations and concerns to develop and communicate methodologies and practices to achieve outcomes.

Key duties and responsibilities

· Lead and produce solution designs, systems views and architectures using logical models of components and interfaces to meet business requirements.
· Oversee and coordinate multiple teams in developing and producing solutions designs and systems specifications to meet the user requirements and business needs.
· Demonstrate detailed research and analysis skills in support of the solutions design activities and the development of options to achieve the required business outcomes.
· Maintain knowledge and expertise in Defence systems and the operating environment to ensure that solution designs are integrated and meet the business needs.
· Build and sustain relationships, liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders including other teams, peers and colleagues across Defence and other organisations.
· Assess and measure projects to understand critical factors for success, the identification of issues and risks and develop supporting risk mitigation strategies.
· Analyse and measure very complex solution design issues, applying expertise to identify and recommend courses of action and implementation of strategies.
· Accountable for accurate completion of work within timeframes and quality requirements, share own expertise with others and guide and mentor less experienced employees.

Technical skills

• Several years’ experience in a Solution Architect or similar role
• Strong leadership experience and skills as a technical leader
• Excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills
• Experience providing technical directions to projects delivering complex software solutions
• Experience in producing design documentation essential
  
  Criteria
  The buyer has specified that each candidate must provide a response to each criterion. Each response is limited to 3000 characters.
  
  Essential criteria
  1
  1.Develops models and plans to drive the execution of the business strategy, taking advantage of opportunities to improve business performance. Contributes to creating and reviewing a systems capability strategy which meets the business's strategic requirements. Determines requirements and specifies effective business processes, through improvements in technology, information or data practices, organisation, roles, procedures and equipment.
  2.Develops solution architectures (Solution Architecture Documents, High-Level Designs and Detailed Designs and other artefacts) that meet requirements of specific business, infrastructure or functional areas. Identifies and evaluates alternative architectures and the trade-offs in cost, performance and scalability. Determines and documents architecturally significant decisions. Produces specifications of cloud-based or on-premises components, tiers and interfaces, for translation into detailed designs using selected services and products. Supports projects or change initiatives through the preparation of technical plans and application of design principles. Aligns solutions with enterprise and solution architecture standards (including security).
  3.Identifies the communications and relationship needs of stakeholder groups. Translates communications/stakeholder engagement strategies into specific activities and deliverables. Facilitates open communication and discussion between stakeholders. Acts as a single point of contact by developing, maintaining and working to stakeholder engagement strategies and plans. Provides informed feedback to assess and promote understanding. Facilitates business decision-making processes. Captures and disseminates technical and business information.
  4.Designs large or complex systems and undertakes impact analysis on major design options and trade-offs. Ensures that the system design balances functional and non-functional requirements. Reviews systems designs and ensures that appropriate methods, tools and techniques are applied effectively. Makes recommendations and assesses and manages associated risks. Adopts and adapts system design methods, tools and techniques. Contributes to development of system design policies, standards and selection of architecture components.
  
  Desirable criteria
  1.Demonstrated experience in providing technical services to Defence capability projects is highly desirable.
  
  

  ---

  
  If you're ready to explore what’s next in your secure career, express your interest today. Let’s have a confidential chat.
  At Cleared Recruitment, we provide tailored recruitment solutions to individuals with a background in ICT, Engineering, Cyber, and Project Services, seeking their next opportunity within Defence Industry, Federal Government, Intelligence, and National Security.