Lead Network Security Engineer

Whizdom; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Whizdom is seeking an experienced Lead Network Security Engineer to join a federal government organisation protecting Australia from sophisticated cyber threats. You will plan, implement, and operate secure network environments across physical and virtual infrastructure, and assess security architectures against modern frameworks.

The role requires strong hands-on experience with firewalls, servers, and routers, and the ability to translate complex security concepts for technical and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a cyber security role.
• Experience implementing, maintaining and assessing established network practices.
• Strong experience with hardware firewalls, servers and routers.
• Experience assessing network security architectures and recommending improvements.
• Strong understanding of defence-in-depth within network design and configuration.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and operate network services across hardware and virtual environments.
• Test, maintain and improve network infrastructure, including software and hardware devices.
• Assess network security architecture and identify opportunities for security improvement.
• Review network device configurations and recommend security enhancements.
• Apply defence-in-depth principles across network design and configuration.
• Configure and utilise security and network infrastructure including firewalls, servers and routers.
• Assess complex information systems using contemporary cyber security frameworks and toolsets.
• Support the security and hardening of critical infrastructure against advanced threats.
• Analyse network traffic and identify patterns using network management tools.
• Provide technical advice and clearly communicate complex security concepts to stakeholders.

Skills

Cyber security

Network security

Defence-in-depth

Network architecture

Security communications

Job description

Lead Network Security Engineer

About the Organisation

Our client is a highly regarded Federal Government organisation responsible for protecting Australia against sophisticated cyber threats and supporting national security outcomes.

Operating in a complex and highly secure environment, the organisation delivers critical cyber security, intelligence and technology capabilities. This is an opportunity to contribute to nationally significant work while collaborating with experienced cyber, network and security professionals.

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Network Security Engineers to support the operation, maintenance and uplift of critical network infrastructure.

Working at an EL1 equivalent level, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, operating and securing complex network environments across both physical and virtual infrastructure.

You will assess network systems against contemporary cyber security frameworks, analyse potential vulnerabilities and provide practical recommendations to strengthen security. You will also contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure against sophisticated and advanced cyber threats.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, implementing and operating network services and systems across hardware and virtual environments.
• Testing, maintaining and improving network infrastructure, including software and hardware devices.
• Assessing network security architecture and identifying opportunities for security improvement.
• Reviewing network device configurations and recommending appropriate security enhancements.
• Applying defence-in-depth principles across network design and configuration.
• Configuring and utilising security and network infrastructure including firewalls, servers and routers.
• Assessing complex information systems using contemporary cyber security frameworks and toolsets.
• Supporting the security and hardening of critical infrastructure against advanced threats.
• Analysing network traffic and identifying patterns using network management tools.
• Providing technical advice and clearly communicating complex security concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What You Will Bring

• A minimum of 5 years' demonstrated experience in a cyber security role.
• Demonstrated ability to implement, maintain and assess established network practices and recommend improvements.
• Strong experience configuring and working with computer protection and network components, including hardware firewalls, servers and routers.
• Experience assessing network security architectures and recommending improvements.
• Strong understanding and practical application of defence-in-depth principles within network design and configuration.
• Experience reviewing network device configurations and recommending improvements to network security.
• Demonstrated experience securing network communications.

Highly regarded experience includes

• Strong knowledge of computer networking concepts, protocols and network security methodologies.
• Knowledge of communication methods, principles and concepts supporting network infrastructure.
• Experience communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of IT security principles and technologies such as firewalls, demilitarised zones (DMZs) and encryption.
• Experience using network management tools to analyse network traffic patterns and interpret collected information.

What's on Offer

• EL1 equivalent Network Security Engineer opportunity.
• Work supporting critical network infrastructure and cyber security capability.
• Exposure to complex and highly secure network environments.
• Opportunity to assess and defend critical infrastructure against advanced cyber threats.
• Collaborative environment working alongside experienced cyber and technical specialists.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to nationally significant security outcomes.

Security Requirements

Due to the sensitive nature of this position, candidates must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Australian Citizenship is mandatory.
• Candidates must hold a current and active AGSVA NV1 Security Clearance.
• Candidates must successfully complete an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to commencement.

Submissions close Friday the 13th of November2026.

Please call Lisa Berjak on 0480 011 550 for any further information. Candidates will need to be willing to undergo pre-employment screening checks which may include, ID and work rights, security clearance verification, and any other client-requested checks.

We value diversity and welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people living with a disability.