Senior Solution Engineer

Job Title: Senior Solutions Engineer
Location: Canberra, ACT (Hybrid: typically 3 days in office, 2 days from home - flexible arrangements may be considered)
Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month contract with up to two 12-month extensions
Start Date: Monday, 2 February 2026
Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain Negative Vetting Level 1

About the Role:
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) is seeking a Senior Solutions Engineer to join the Applications Modernisation (APP) Section within the Information Management and Technology Division. This role will support the Digital Uplift Program (DUP), delivering secure, modern, and scalable ICT solutions to enhance departmental systems and operations.

As part of this role, you will design, implement, and lead technical solutions, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure all systems meet government compliance, security, and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement technical solutions aligned with government objectives and compliance standards.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into actionable solutions.

• Develop and document system architectures, technical specifications, and integration plans.

• Provide expert technical leadership across design, development, and deployment phases.

• Evaluate existing systems and recommend modernisation strategies to optimise performance.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to minimise project disruptions.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and provide recommendations to meet evolving needs.

Technical Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in solution engineering, system design, or technical architecture, ideally in government or regulated environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• Up-to-date certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, TOGAF, ITIL, CISSP, or CISM highly desirable.

• Proven experience designing secure, scalable, and compliant technical solutions.

• Strong knowledge of API design, enterprise systems, cloud platforms, and databases.

• Understanding of networking, infrastructure, and IT operations.

SFIA Skills Required:

• Solution Architecture (ARCH) - Level 4

• Systems Design (DESN) - Level 4/5

• Software Design (SWDN) - Level 4/5

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to design, implement, and support complex technical solutions, including system integration.

• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, Waterfall, DevOps).

• Proven collaborative skills with multi-disciplinary teams to align solutions with business goals.

• Strong communication skills to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

• Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF).

• Familiarity with government security and compliance frameworks (e.g., ISM, ASD Essential 8).

Desirable Criteria:

• Cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and cloud-native solution design.

• Experience with DevOps practices including CI/CD, containerisation, and automation tools.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles relevant to government systems.

• Experience assessing and modernising legacy systems in government environments.

About the Team:
The Applications Modernisation (APP) section drives the Digital Uplift Program, focusing on modernising DFAT's legacy systems to secure, supported infrastructure. Successful delivery will enhance operational efficiency, reduce cyber risk, and enable better integration across departmental systems.

How to Apply:
Candidates must submit a one-page pitch (up to 5000 characters) addressing all essential and desirable criteria.

Closing Date: Friday, 28 November 2025, 11:59 PM (Canberra time)

Veterans
Experience in Defence or Federal Government environments is highly valued. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Cleared
At Cleared, we provide tailored recruitment solutions to individuals seeking their next opportunity and to organisations searching for talent within Defence Industry, Intelligence and National Security.