Solution Architect

ASD is seeking both NV2 and TSPV candidates. 

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 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 solution design activities and the development of options to achieve desired business outcomes. 
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in the Defence systems and operating environments 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. 
• Analyse and measure complex solution design issues, applying expertise to identify and recommend courses of action. 

Technical skills

At least 5 years’ experience providing technical services to Defence capability projects. Qualifications in relevant technical discipline/s Demonstrated 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. Suitable candidates will be required to complete ASD’s Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA). This will be required prior to commencing and ASD will allocate successful candidates to work areas based on operational needs. Further information on the OSA is available at: https://www.asd.gov.au/careers/how-apply/candidate-information

Essential criteria

1.Enterprise and business architecture: Level 5 (SFIA)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.Requirements definition and management: Level 5 (SFIA)Plans and drives scoping, requirements definition and prioritisation activities for large, complex initiatives. Selects, adopts and adapts appropriate requirements definition and management methods, tools and techniques. Contributes to the development of organisational methods and standards for requirements management. Obtains input from, and agreement to requirements from a diverse range of stakeholders. Negotiates with stakeholders to manage competing priorities and conflicts. Establishes requirements baselines. Ensures changes to requirements are investigated and managed.

3.Solution architecture: Level 4 (SFIA)Contributes to the development of solution architectures in 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).

4.Stakeholder relationship management: Level 5 (SFIA)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.

5.Systems design: Level 5 (SFIA)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.