Network Architect

Paxus; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Paxus is partnering with a Federal Government organisation to engage an experienced Network Architect to define, govern and evolve enterprise network architecture across on-premises, cloud-connected and hybrid environments. This role provides strategic and hands-on technical leadership to ensure network services are secure, scalable, resilient and supportable, aligned to business and security requirements.

This contract role is based in Canberra (ACT) with a hybrid arrangement.

Qualifications

• Experience defining enterprise network architectures across multi-vendor environments.
• Strong knowledge of Fortinet security platforms and network security architecture.
• Experience with cloud networking and hybrid connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise network architecture, standards, patterns and roadmaps.
• Translate business, security and operational needs into end-to-end network solution designs.
• Lead the design and delivery of complex network initiatives and technical changes.
• Produce high-quality architecture and design artefacts (high-level and detailed designs, implementation guidance).
• Provide architecture governance and technical assurance across projects and operational initiatives.
• Implement network security architecture aligned to Commonwealth frameworks (ISM, PSPF, Essential Eight).
• Drive improvements to resilience, monitoring/observability, automation and operational supportability.
• Support capacity planning, lifecycle management and network modernisation.
• Engage and influence stakeholders across technical and non-technical groups.

Skills

Technical leadership

Architecture governance

Security architecture

Tools

Fortinet security platforms

Routing and switching

Cloud networking

Network management tools

Observability tooling

Job description

Paxus is partnering with a Federal Government organisation to engage an experienced Network Architect to define, govern and evolve enterprise network architecture across on‑premises, cloud-connected and hybrid environments. This role provides strategic and hands‑on technical leadership to ensure network services are secure, scalable, resilient and supportable, and aligned to business and security requirements.

This is a contract role based in Canberra (ACT) with a hybrid arrangement. The role requires candidates to be primarily onsite from the Canberra office; up to 2 days per week remote may be negotiated after 6 months, subject to approval and policy.

• Start date (estimated): Monday, 16 November 2026
• Initial term: 12 months with Up to 2 x 12 months
• Hours: Up to 40 hours per week
• Security: AGSVA NV1 (Negative Vetting Level 1) and complete pre-engagement requirements (including organisational suitability and confidentiality obligations)

The role

Working within the Network Operations function, you will translate business, security and technology requirements into network capabilities, architecture patterns, standards, detailed designs and implementation roadmaps. You will also provide technical governance and design assurance across concurrent initiatives, and contribute directly to complex implementations where specialist expertise is required.

Key responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise network architecture, standards, patterns and roadmaps
• Translate business, security and operational needs into end‑to‑end network solution designs
• Lead the design and delivery of complex network initiatives and technical changes
• Produce high‑quality architecture and design artefacts (high‑level and detailed designs, implementation guidance)
• Provide architecture governance and technical assurance across projects and operational initiatives
• Implement network security architecture aligned to Commonwealth frameworks (ISM, PSPF, Essential Eight)
• Drive improvements to resilience, monitoring/observability, automation and operational supportability
• Support capacity planning, lifecycle management and network modernisation
• Engage and influence stakeholders across technical and non‑technical groups

Technical environment (indicative)

You’ll be working across a complex multi‑vendor enterprise environment including:

• Fortinet security platforms and services (firewalling and associated management platforms)
• Enterprise routing and switching
• Network security platforms/services
• Cloud networking and hybrid connectivity
• LAN/MAN/WAN and carriage circuits
• Network management, monitoring and observability tooling
• Proven delivery of enterprise network architectures into real implemented outcomes in large, complex ICT environments
• Strong experience designing and implementing network security architecture, including significant Fortinet experience in a multi‑vendor environment
• Experience delivering complex solutions across routing, switching, security, load balancing, WAN, and cloud‑connected environments
• Demonstrated application of ISM, PSPF and Essential Eight in architecture/design/implementation
• Ability to provide technical leadership and governance across multiple concurrent initiatives while staying aligned to operational needs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including stakeholder engagement and production of high‑quality design artefacts

Highly regarded

• Azure cloud networking architecture and governance
• Zero Trust, segmentation, contemporary security patterns; experience supporting design authorities / governance forums
• Certifications such as Fortinet (NSE/FCP), CCDE/CCNP/CCIE, F5-CA, Azure Solutions Architect (or equivalent)
• Experience in Commonwealth Government or similarly regulated environments

Paxus values diversity and welcomes applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people living with a disability. If you require an adjustment to the recruitment process, including the application form in an alternate format, please contact me on the above contact details.