Datacentre Lead

Downer Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts through Perks@Downer

Reservist Leave (up to 20 days)

Professional development programs

Job summary

Downer Group is seeking an experienced Datacentre Lead to direct secure datacentre environments for Defence projects in Canberra. You will lead a technical team, guide architecture, integration, security and sustainment, and ensure high availability for LNIC environments.

The role requires hands-on ICT leadership with deep expertise in Windows Server, RHEL, VMware, storage, and network design, plus ITAR/AGSVA-ready delivery. On-site in Canberra with clear career progression.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading administration, integration and sustainment of complex enterprise datacentre environments.
• Strong hands-on capability across Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, VMware vSphere or equivalent virtualization, storage and networking.
• Experience integrating applications and infrastructure within secured environments with knowledge of security guidelines.
• Ability to develop system designs, documentation, SOPs and training materials, resolving Level 2/3 faults.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the LNIC Environments team, including prioritisation, task allocation, workforce coordination and progress reporting.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, administration, maintenance and operation of datacentre infrastructure across test, development and production environments.
• Administer and integrate Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux platforms, VMware, enterprise storage and supporting services.
• Shape datacentre and network architecture, including capacity planning, patching, security management and SDN/integration.

Skills

Datacentre leadership

Windows Server

Red Hat Linux

VMware vSphere

Storage management

Security compliance

Team leadership

Tools

VMware vSphere

Windows Server

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Storage SAN

Job description

Lead secure Defence datacentre environments, guiding technical teams across infrastructure, integration, security and sustainment.

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.

Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defenceand National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Datacentre Lead based onsite in Canberra to lead the technical direction, operation and sustainment of secure datacentre environments supporting the Land Network Integration Centre (LNIC).

This is a hands‑on leadership role for a senior ICT practitioner who can guide a small technical team while contributing directly to architecture, integration, security, capacity planning and technical assurance.

What You'll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:

• Lead and direct the LNIC Environments team, including work prioritisation, task allocation, workforce coordination, technical guidance and progress reporting.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, administration, maintenance and operation of datacentre infrastructure across test, development and production environments.
• Administer and integrate Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux platforms, VMware virtualisation, enterprise storage, military applications and supporting services.
• Shape datacentre and network architecture, including capacity planning, patching, security management, network segmentation, software-defined networking and external boundary integration.
• Provide authoritative technical advice, documentation, Level 2 and Level 3 support, training and mentoring to Defence personnel and project stakeholders.

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated experience leading the administration, integration and sustainment of complex enterprise datacentre environments and coordinating other ICT personnel.
• Strong hands‑on capability across Microsoft Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, VMware vSphere or equivalent virtualisation, enterprise shared storage, and physical and software-defined networking.
• Experience integrating applications and infrastructure within secured or disconnected ICT environments, with sound knowledge of the Information Security Manual and Essential Eight.
• Proven ability to develop system designs, implementation documentation, Standard Operating Procedures, configuration records and technical training material, and to resolve complex faults at Level 2 and Level 3.
• The judgement and communication skills to operate as a senior technical lead and engage effectively with technical teams, project staff, security stakeholders, capability representatives and senior management.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we're not just a workplace - we're a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we're committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we're here to help you put your best foot forward.