Solution Architect

About AARNet

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education. 

We are Australia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users—researchers, faculty, staff and students—at institutions across Australia, supporting education and research across a diverse range of disciplines including high energy physics, climate science, genomics, radio astronomy and the arts.

Nationally, AARNet interconnects Australian universities, the CSIRO, and other organisations who have a research and education mission, or with whom the education and research sector interacts. These include hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums. Internationally, AARNet interconnects the Australian Research and Education (R&E) community to the world – and continuously develops new capabilities and partnerships to facilitate seamless data access and transfer. 

AARNet also offers a suite of supporting services and applications to our customers. These include managed and unmanaged network, security and collaboration offerings, including Zoom, our Security Operations Centre (SOC) and managed Firewall services. These provide our customers with enhanced connectivity and security, enabling them to innovate in the delivery of research and education regardless of their size or team make ups.

We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We are not constrained by traditional products and solutions, and we constantly strive to build the solutions that our customers will need tomorrow – today. If you have the imagination, foresight and drive to build the future why not come and join us?

The Role

We are looking for a Solution Architect, to enhance and expand our Architecture capabilities across a range of technical and business initiatives. This role will require the development of solutions, contribution to roadmaps and related Enterprise Architecture artefacts and processes.

The successful applicant will be expected to provide strong internal examples of Solution Architect practices and artefacts for others in the business to align with. The role will also help guide our internal development processes by providing technical and commercial input and advisory services relevant to proposed or existing AARNet systems, services, and products. 

As this role will require effective communication across a broad range of technical and business areas, the successful candidate will have experience in a wide range of products, platforms, vendors, and common architectures, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Candidates will need to understand the importance of AARNet business needs and concerns, whilst understanding potential constraints in resourcing that may require working toward ‘best fit’ and balance in our organisation to addressing concerns and meeting requirements and lowering technical debt. 

Some travel within Australia may be required.

This role will suit a self-motivated individual who is:

• Someone that takes pride in the quality of their contribution.
• An excellent communicator with technical and non-technical executive stakeholders alike, including facilitating presentation of solutions, roadmaps, etc.
• A logical and passionate architect, with natural curiosity, keeping across best practices and industry trends.
• Able to effectively manage multiple projects and prioritise according to business requirements.
• A finisher – outcome focused and ensures solutions are completed and/or handed over successfully.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate and Co-Create: Work closely with cross-functional teams—colleagues, product managers, and business leaders. Together, we’ll co-create solutions that resonate with our company’s values.
• Empathise and Understand: Dive deep into our and our clients’ needs. Understand the pain points, aspirations, and unique contexts. Your empathy will drive meaningful solutions.
• Architect with Purpose: Design robust and scalable architectures that balance technical excellence with practicality. Consider sustainability, accessibility, and diversity in your designs.
• Learn and Adapt: Stay curious! Technology evolves, and so should we. Continuously learn about emerging trends, tools, and methodologies. Adapt your approach accordingly.
• Communicate Effectively: Translate complex tech concepts into plain language. Collaborate with non-technical stakeholders, fostering understanding and alignment.
• Leadership and Mentoring: Provide co-ordination and technical leadership, help train and uplift AARNet technical staff on new technologies.

Expertise, experience & qualifications

• We are looking for a candidate that has most of these skills.
• A degree in Information Technology or Computer Science or a related field or relevant industry experience.
• Leadership Skills: Strong organisational skills and the ability to lead without dominating.
• Demonstratable experience in designing, securing, and implementing large scale solutions.
• Experience with Unix/Linux/Microsoft/Apple based systems.
• Expertise in system architecture, design patterns, and best practices.
• Experience in deploying and or operating cloud computing platforms (e.g. Kubernetes, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their services.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Rust and or Go.
• Scripting skills for automation and orchestration (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, PowerShell, Bash).
• Willing to work as part of a deployment team as required.
• Familiarity with working in an Agile or Scrum framework.
• Familiarity with APIs, microservices architecture, and middleware.
• Familiarity with various database technologies and their integration into architectural designs.
• Understanding of networking principles and protocols.
• Understanding of security principles and practices.
• Australian Resident.
• Valid Australian Driver’s License.
• Advantageous to hold an existing Security Clearance or must have an ability to obtain a Security Clearance (as an Australian Citizen)

Important skills

•  Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Willingness to work in a collegiate environment.
• Problem-solving prowess.

Conditions of employment

AARNet is committed to diversity and providing equal opportunity to all. We’re a great place to work if you want to make a difference. 

AARNet provides competitive remuneration and a host of other benefits including:

• 17% superannuation;
• Flexible work options;
• Options to purchase additional Annual Leave;
• 2 days paid Women’s Wellness Leave per month;
• 24 weeks paid Parental Leave – Primary Carer;
• Welcome back to AARNet superannuation payment – on unpaid Parental Leave for Primary Carer;
• 4 weeks paid Birth Trauma Leave;
• 24 weeks paid - Adoption Leave;
• 16 weeks paid Parental Leave – Secondary Carer;
• 5 days paid – First Nations Cultural Leave;
• 2 days paid Family Wedding Leave;
• 24 weeks paid – Foster Carer Leave;
• 5 days paid – Fertility Leave;
• 8 weeks paid – Gender Affirmation Leave;
• Strong Equal Opportunity focus;
• Sector leader in Social Responsibility and Ethics; and
• A culture and company structure that allows your career to grow with access to leading edge technologies