Senior Infrastructure Engineer - Unix Specialist

Senior Unix Systems Administrator / Infrastructure Engineer

RFQ ID: LH-06201
Buyer: Services Australia
RFQ Closing Date: Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Experience Level: Senior (EL1 equivalent)

Background

Services Australia is seeking a Senior Unix Systems Administrator / Infrastructure Engineer to support the delivery and maintenance of critical infrastructure services that underpin government service delivery to millions of Australians. The role sits within a high-availability environment, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of infrastructure capabilities aligned with the agency's objective of delivering secure, reliable, and scalable digital platforms.

Role Description

Services Australia is seeking a Senior Unix Systems Administrator / Infrastructure Engineer to manage, support, and optimise midrange UNIX/Linux infrastructure across enterprise environments. Working at an EL1-equivalent level, the role operates under broad direction and is responsible for ensuring mission-critical systems remain available, secure, and performant.

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise across Linux system administration, infrastructure lifecycle management, and operational support, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, contribute to system design, and mentor junior engineers. Experience working in 24/7 environments, alongside exposure to security compliance frameworks such as Essential 8, is highly regarded.

Essential criteria - (Required) One-page pitch addressing all essential criteria (maximum 5000 characters), written in third person.

1. Capacity management: Level 4 (SFIA)

Monitors service component capacity and initiates actions to resolve any shortfalls according

to agreed procedures. Applies techniques to control the demand upon a particular resource

or service. Contributes to capacity modelling and planning. Supports the design of service

component capacity.

2. IT infrastructure: Level 4 (SFIA)

Provides technical expertise to enable the correct application of operational procedures.

Contributes to the planning and implementation of infrastructure maintenance and updates.

Implements agreed infrastructure changes and maintenance routines. Uses infrastructure

management tools to determine load and performance statistics. Configures tools and/or

creates scripts to automate the provisioning, testing and deployment of new and changed

infrastructure. Maintains operational procedures and checks that they are executed following

agreed standards. Investigates and enables the resolution of operational issues. Provides

reports and proposals for improvement, to specialists, users and managers.

3. Problem management: Level 4 (SFIA)

Initiates and monitors actions to investigate and resolve problems in systems, processes and

services. Determines problem fixes and remedies. Collaborates with others to implemented

agreed remedies and preventative measures. Supports analysis of patterns and trends to

improve problem management processes.

4. Programming/software development: Level 3 (SFIA)

Designs, codes, verifies, tests, documents, amends and refactors moderately complex

programs/scripts. Applies agreed standards and tools to achieve a well-engineered result.

Monitors and reports on progress. Identifies issues related to software development activities.

Proposes practical solutions to resolve issues. Collaborates in reviews of work with others as

appropriate.

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.

6. Systems installation and removal: Level 5 (SFIA)

Takes responsibility for installation and/or decommissioning projects. Provides effective team leadership, including information flow to and from the customer during project work. Develops and implements quality plans and method statements. Monitors the effectiveness of installations and ensures that appropriate recommendations for change are made. Optimisation activities.

SFIA Alignment

ITOP 4 - IT Infrastructure
Provides technical expertise to support infrastructure operations, maintenance, and improvement. Implements changes, monitors performance, and ensures adherence to operational procedures and standards.

CPMG 4 - Capacity Management
Monitors and manages service capacity, contributes to capacity planning, and supports modelling activities to ensure infrastructure meets demand.

PBMG 4 - Problem Management
Leads investigation and resolution of system and service issues, identifying root causes and implementing preventative measures.

PROG 3 - Programming/Software Development
Develops and maintains scripts and automation tools using Bash and related technologies to support infrastructure operations.

DESN 5 - Systems Design
Contributes to the design of complex infrastructure systems, balancing functional and non-functional requirements while managing risks and trade-offs.

HSIN 5 - Systems Installation and Removal
Leads installation, upgrade, and decommissioning activities, ensuring quality execution and effective communication across stakeholders.

Security Requirements

Must be able to maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance or above.

Work Location

Canberra (preferred), with consideration for Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney. Initial onsite requirement for the first 6 weeks, followed by hybrid working arrangements.

Response Documentation

(Required) One-page pitch addressing all essential criteria (maximum 5000 characters), written in third person.

(Required) Candidate details including start date, hourly rate, citizenship status, and security clearance status (with CSID)

Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Veterans
Defence and Federal Government industry experience is highly desirable. We strongly encourage veterans and individuals with Defence experience to apply. Your unique skills and background are highly valued, and we are committed to supporting your transition into this role.

Cleared Recruitment is leading the way for Defence recruitment services, bringing together some of Australia's best talent in ICT, Engineering and business and connecting those with specialised and future thinking Defence industry suppliers to ensure Australia is mission-ready at all times.