Lead Solution Architect

Whizdom; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term project

Defence program exposure

Senior stakeholder exposure

Collaborative environment

Competitive rates

Job summary

Whizdom in Canberra, ACT, seeks a Lead Solution Architect to support a major Defence program. You will lead architecture delivery, collaborating with project teams, SMEs, vendors, and Defence stakeholders through design, integration, assurance, and approval lifecycle.

The role suits a senior architect capable of strategic and delivery work, with NV1/NV2 preferred. Active Australian Government security clearance is required; NV2 is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience leading solution architecture in large ICT environments.
• Experience producing system design specs, HLDs and DDs.
• Strong systems integration and solution assurance knowledge.
• Experience in Defence or highly regulated settings.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to work independently and drive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver architecture artefacts and guide project outcomes with SMEs and vendors.
• Provide architecture & technical leadership across the project lifecycle.
• Support project management and technical leadership functions.
• Ensure delivery aligns with Defence Technical Assurance Framework requirements.
• Contribute to solution and integration design activities and reviews.
• Engage with vendors, contractors and service providers to achieve outcomes.
• Support procurement and market approach activities with technical guidance.

Skills

Solution architecture

Architecture leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Independent problem solving

Job description

Lead Solution Architect

Location: Canberra, ACT

Contract: Long-term contract opportunity

Security Clearance: NV1/NV2 preferred

About the Company

Our client is a leading organisation supporting complex Defence capability programs and ICT projects within a secure environment. Working closely with Defence stakeholders, industry partners, and technical specialists, they play a key role in delivering critical capabilities that support national outcomes.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Solution Architect to support a major Defence project in Canberra.

This role is suited to a senior architect or solution lead who can operate at both the strategic and delivery levels. You will work closely with project teams, subject matter experts, vendors, and Defence stakeholders to develop, review, and guide technical solutions through the design, integration, assurance, and approval lifecycle.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and drive outcomes with minimal direction. You'll be comfortable working across architecture, systems integration, technical governance, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Role Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project SMEs to deliver architecture artefacts and project outcomes.
• Provide architecture and technical leadership across the project lifecycle.
• Support project management and technical leadership functions.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with Defence Technical Assurance Framework (TAF) requirements.
• Contribute to solution and integration design activities.
• Participate in gate reviews, design reviews, and approval processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Review technical solutions to ensure alignment with business and operational requirements.
• Analyse and evaluate design options, risks, and trade-offs.
• Review and improve architecture and design artefacts.
• Engage with vendors, contractors, and service providers to achieve project outcomes.
• Support procurement and approach-to-market activities through technical advice and guidance.
• Work with stakeholders to develop requirements and system specifications.
• Review vendor designs, operational concepts, and technical documentation.
• Support test, evaluation, certification, and transition activities.
• Participate in interface management and working groups.
• Monitor and manage industry work packages to ensure delivery against agreed requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading solution architecture and solution delivery activities within large and complex ICT environments.
• Experience producing and reviewing:
  • System design specifications
  • High-level designs (HLDs)
  • Detailed designs (DDs)
  • Interface specifications
  • Operational concepts and supporting technical documentation
• Strong understanding of systems integration and solution assurance practices.
• Experience working within Defence or other highly regulated environments.
• Knowledge of Defence governance, architecture, or assurance frameworks is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to analyse complex technical issues and develop practical recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems proactively, and drive outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What is on Offer

• Long-term Defence project with extension potential.
• Opportunity to work on a significant capability program.
• High-impact role with exposure to senior Defence and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborative and experienced project environment.
• Competitive market rates.

Security Requirements

Applicants must hold an active Australian Government security clearance. NV2 clearance is highly desirable, with NV1 clearance holders strongly encouraged to apply.