Solution Architect

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 requires a ASD requires a Solution Architect SFIA 5 to manage complex stakeholder relationship and undertake/lead the technical of assessment of Defence Major Projects to influence ADF capability projects to adopt MDD design standards and architectural patterns.

Key duties and responsibilities

Conduct stakeholder engagement across the Defence and National Intelligence Community (NIC), manage complex relationships, identify emerging and potential risk and recommend strategies to mitigate risk to Mission Data Division’s delivery of capability in accordance with ASD’s Top Secret Integration as a Service (TSIaaS) to Defence.

Establish and/or maintain technical engagement mechanisms to foster a culture of collaboration and partnership to align Defence project deliverables to the ASD’s strategic direction

Interpret and communicate high level architectures and design patterns to shape and guide the design and development of Defence capability integrated solutions.

Assess emerging and or proposed Defence capability solutions to validate and verify existing requirements and capture emerging requirements.

Collaborate with ASD business units and technical directors to find alignment between Defence customer expectations and current or future ICT capability.

Contribute to continuous business improvement process.

Ensure all work completed meets agreed quality standards and quality control measures.

Candidates require a current AGSVA TSPV security clearance to perform the role.  ASD will not sponsor candidates to upgrade their security clearances.

Candidates must be willing to undergo ASD’s Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement.

Information on ASD’s Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA)

An OSA is an ASD policy requirement for contractors who will be engaged for a period in excess of 12 months and are conducted to determine a person’s suitability to work in ASD.  The OSA requires a psychological assessment, which involves a questionnaire and an interview.

Before submitting an application for this role, the candidate should consider their preparedness for questions that may include the following topics: personal relationships, living circumstances, personal values, financial situation, physical and mental health history including substance use, and any civil and/or military record.

Technical skills

The role requires candidates to possess the following skills and qualifications: Essential: At least 5 years’ experience providing technical services to Defence capability projects Strong leadership experience and skill as a technical leader Excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills Desirable: Qualifications in relevant technical discipline/s Experience providing technical directions to projects delivering complex software solutions

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.

Essential criteria

1.Autonomy Works under broad direction. Work is often self-initiated. Is fully responsible for meeting allocated technical and/or project/supervisory objectives. Establishes milestones and has a significant role in the assignment of tasks and/or responsibilities. SFIA level 5

2.Influence Influences organisation, customers, suppliers, partners and peers on the contribution of own specialism. Builds appropriate and effective business relationships. Makes decisions which impact the success of assigned work, i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Has significant influence over the allocation and management of resources appropriate to given assignments. SFIA level 5

3.Complexity Performs an extensive range and variety of complex technical and/or professional work activities. Undertakes work which requires the application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands the relationship between own specialism and wider customer/organisational requirements. SFIA level 5

4.Business Skills Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications relevant to own specialism and can make appropriate choices from alternatives. Analyses, designs, plans, executes and evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. Assesses and evaluates risk. Communicates effectively, both formally and informally. Demonstrates leadership. Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives. Takes all requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Mentors colleagues. Maintains an awareness of developments in the industry. Analyses requirements and advises on scope and options for continuous operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity, innovation and ethical thinking in applying solutions for the benefit of the customer/stakeholder. SFIA level 5

Please refer to SFIA skill levels Skills directory A–Z — English

The successful candidate will work 5 days per week and up to a maximum of 40 hours per week, unless otherwise agreed with their manager. WFH can be accommodated. Interstate based candidates cannot be accommodated.