Security Architect

Macquarie University; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Annual leave loading

Job summary

Macquarie University seeks a Proactive Security Architect to embed security into enterprise technology design, delivery and operations. You will influence senior leadership, shape security strategy across cloud and data platforms, and enable secure innovation across the university.

Reporting to the CISO, you will lead architecture discussions, perform risk assessments, and drive security-by-design across programmes, partnerships, and procurement.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a senior security architect in large, complex organisations.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders on security risk and design decisions.
• Experience across multiple technology domains with diverse stakeholders.
• Desirable: experience in higher education, government, or similarly complex environments.
• Desirable: knowledge of Australian cyber security, privacy and critical infrastructure regimes.

Responsibilities

• Provide security architecture leadership across enterprise-wide initiatives and major projects.
• Perform architecture-level security risk assessments across applications, infrastructure, cloud, data, and identity services.
• Define, maintain, and evolve security architecture principles, standards and patterns.
• Deliver independent security design options and risk treatment guidance to technology leaders and executives.
• Embed security-by-design and privacy-by-design into delivery, change and procurement processes.
• Support third-party and supply-chain risk assessments, vendor onboarding and contract assurance.
• Contribute to regulatory compliance, assurance and audit activities with expert input.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cyber security capability and maturity across the University.

Skills

Senior architect

Enterprise security

Stakeholder management

Security by design

Education

IT degree or related

CISSP/CISM/SABSA

Job description

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience + 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• 2 Year Fixed-term Contract
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Protect what matters, lead security architecture that enables bold digital transformation!

In a landscape of evolving cyber threats, Macquarie University is looking for a Proactive Security Architect who can turn complexity into clarity, by embedding security into the way we design, deliver, and operate technology across our university.

As a Security Architect, you will bring deep expertise, independent judgement, and a genuine passion for enabling innovation securely. This is a high-impact role where you'll shape how security is woven into enterprise-wide programmes, cloud platforms, data environments, and technology partnerships. You won't just be reviewing designs, you'll be at the table influencing strategic decisions, advising senior leaders, and ensuring our university community can pursue its mission with confidence in the systems that support it.

If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy balancing risk with opportunity, and want your work to directly support world-class teaching and research, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the Security Architect provides authoritative security architecture leadership across the University's enterprise initiatives. You will ensure information security risks are identified early, assessed proportionately, and treated in alignment with the University's risk appetite, regulatory obligations, and strategic objectives. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing security architecture leadership across enterprise-wide programmes, projects, and major operational initiatives, ensuring security risks are identified and addressed early in the solution lifecycle
• Performing architecture-level security risk assessments across applications, infrastructure, cloud platforms, identity services, data environments, and system integrations
• Defining, maintaining, and evolving security architecture principles, standards, and patterns aligned to enterprise architecture, organisational strategy, and risk appetite
• Delivering senior, independent advice on secure design options, architectural trade-offs, and risk treatment strategies to enable informed decision-making by technology leaders and executives
• Embedding security-by-design and privacy-by-design practices into technology delivery, change, and procurement processes
• Providing consistent security architecture input into third-party and supply-chain risk assessments, including vendor onboarding, contract assurance, and material service reviews
• Supporting regulatory compliance, assurance, and audit activities by providing expert architectural input and evidence as required
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of cyber security capability and maturity across the University

About Us

The Information Technology portfolio supports the University's teaching, research, and professional operations through the delivery of reliable, secure, and scalable digital platforms. The Cyber Security team is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the University's information assets in an increasingly complex threat and regulatory environment, including heightened expectations around cyber resilience, third-party risk, and compliance.

You will work closely with the CISO, GRC Manager, and the broader Architecture Team, playing a pivotal role in a collaborative, forward-thinking technology environment.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are a seasoned security professional who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to communicate complex risk concepts clearly to senior stakeholders. You are comfortable operating with autonomy, navigating ambiguity, and balancing security imperatives with business objectives in a fast-paced environment.

• Extensive experience operating as a senior security architect or equivalent within large, complex organisations
• Demonstrated experience providing authoritative, independent security architecture advice at an enterprise level
• Proven track record of influencing senior leaders and decisionmakers on security risk and design matters
• Experience working across multiple technology domains and engaging with diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience within higher education, government, or similarly complex institutional environments (desirable)
• Familiarity with Australian cyber security, privacy, and critical infrastructure regulatory expectations (desirable)
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in information technology, cyber security, or a related discipline, and/or industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, SABSA, or equivalent (desirable)

Applications Close

Applications will close on 11th October at 11.59 PM AEST.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University:

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.