Network Architect

Firesoft People is seeking an experienced Network Architect to support a Federal Government client. The role will provide strategic and technical leadership across enterprise network architecture, security and modernisation in a complex multi-vendor environment.

• Initial 12-month contract with up to two 12-month extensions
• Canberra location, primarily onsite
• Up to 2 days per week remote may be negotiated after 6 months, subject to approval
• NV1 security clearance
• An Organisational Suitability Assessment is required before commencement

• Develop and maintain enterprise network architectures, standards, design patterns and roadmaps.
• Translate business, security and operational requirements into practical network solutions.
• Lead the design and implementation of complex network projects and technology refresh initiatives.
• Produce high-level and detailed network designs, along with implementation guidance.
• Provide architecture assurance, technical governance and design oversight across concurrent initiatives.
• Design and implement network security controls aligned with the ISM, PSPF and Essential Eight.
• Improve network resilience, monitoring, automation and operational supportability.
• Support capacity planning, technology lifecycle management and network modernisation.
• Work closely with business stakeholders, security teams, architects and operational support teams.

• Proven experience developing enterprise network architectures and delivering them within large, complex ICT environments.
• Significant hands-on expertise with Fortinet technologies and enterprise network security.
• Strong experience across routing, switching, load balancing, WAN and cloud-connected environments.
• Experience applying Commonwealth security frameworks to network design and implementation.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, architecture governance and design assurance capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to communicate complex technical solutions clearly.
• Network automation, infrastructure as code and orchestration tools such as Ansible.
• Zero Trust architecture, network segmentation and contemporary security patterns.
• Relevant Fortinet, Cisco, F5 or Azure certifications.
• Experience in Federal Government or similarly regulated environments.

Client submissions close Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 10am Canberra time.