Solution Architect – Data, AI/ML & Integration | Defence | NV1 | Canberra

pinaka; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinaka, on behalf of the Department of Defence – Australian Army, seeks an experienced Solution Architect to provide specialist advice across analytics, data strategy, AI and ML, and systems integration in Canberra with hybrid remote options.

Role spans end-to-end data platforms, secure on-premises and cloud, MLOps, model governance and responsible AI, delivering architecture patterns and implementation support to Army leadership.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing Technical Advisory Services (Data Analytics, Data Strategy & AI/ML).
• Experience with ML engineering and responsible AI practices.
• Ability to deliver services under Commonwealth ICT frameworks and Defence Data Strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist guidance across data analytics, AI/ML and data strategy for Army leadership.
• Design end-to-end data and ML architectures, including data pipelines and deployment pipelines.
• Ensure security, governance and compliance across cloud, on‑premises and hybrid environments.
• Lead the development of LLM models and supporting ML ecosystems for PoC.
• Develop and refine enterprise patterns for data platforms and AI solutions.

Skills

SFIA TECH Level 5 – Specialist advice

SFIA SINT Level 5 – Systems integrat​e

Enterprise data architecture

Data analytics

AI and ML

Machine-learning engineering

Data pipelines and training

MLOps and CI/CD

Large language models

Cloud / Hybrid integration

Enterprise architecture

Security assessment

Responsible AI governance

Data governance

Secure ICT environments

Job description

Solution Architect – Analytics Technical Advisory and System Integration

Eligibility Note

Australian citizenship required. Must have an active Negative Vetting Level 1 (or higher) security clearance.

Location Summary

Location: Canberra / Remote (Hybrid).

What to Submit

1. A tailored resume in docx format.

RFQ Details

• RFQ ID: G0F-26/27-021
• Agency: Department of Defence – Australian Army
• Closing Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026 at 10:00am
• Estimated Start Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026 (indicative)
• Initial Contract Duration: 12 months, to 30 September 2027
• Extension Term: 12 months
• Number of Extensions: 2
• Experience Level: SFIA Level 5 – TECH 5 / SINT 5
• Security Clearance: Active Negative Vetting Level 1 minimum
• Location of Work: Symonston, ACT. Remote out-of-state locations may be considered.
• Working Arrangements: Services are primarily delivered from 11–13 Faulding Street, Symonston. Remote delivery from an out-of-state location may be considered at the Commonwealth’s discretion.

Job Details

The Decision Support team within G0 Army Fusion – Army Headquarters is seeking an experienced Solution Architect to provide specialist technical advice and systems integration expertise across data analytics, data strategy, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

This is one combined role requiring capability across both TECH 5 and SINT 5. The Solution Architect will provide subject-matter expertise, design, recommendations and implementation support to strengthen decision-support capabilities for Army leadership and operational units.

This is brought to you by Pinaka via a Defence prime.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage ICT subject-matter experts and senior leaders to gather insights regarding data as a Fundamental Input into Capability, AI/ML strategy, data tooling, implementation roadmaps and capability development.
• Synthesise complex technical and strategic information into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Liaise between strategic planners, technical teams and operational stakeholders to support the execution of data and AI/ML strategies.
• Assist with the development and refinement of the G0 Fusion data and AI/ML strategy.
• Provide specialist guidance on secure data platforms across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments.
• Define architectural patterns for enterprise data platforms and machine-learning systems.
• Design end-to-end data and machine-learning solutions, including data pipelines, model deployment and monitoring.
• Ensure proposed solutions align with enterprise architecture, security and compliance requirements.
• Guide systems integration across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments.
• Undertake Information Security Manual-aligned security assessments of web-based decision-support systems and AI solutions.
• Design, build and maintain scalable data pipelines supporting model training and inference.
• Develop, test and deploy machine-learning models for decision support and operational analytics.
• Implement MLOps practices, including CI/CD, model versioning, monitoring and retraining pipelines.
• Ensure appropriate model governance, explainability, security and ethical use of AI.
• Optimise model performance and operational reliability in constrained or mission-critical environments.
• Evaluate and manage the adoption of tools, techniques and processes required to establish a robust AI integration framework.
• Develop data, AI and architectural standards and governance frameworks.
• Support the design of sustainable ICT and MLOps operating models.
• Contribute to capability concepts, frameworks and the continuous improvement of software-development standards and guidelines.
• Develop G0 Fusion WebApp and AI architectural patterns.
• Produce the G0 Fusion Data Analytics Plan.
• Develop an operating model supporting Data as a FIC.
• Lead the development of specific LLM models and supporting ML ecosystems for proof-of-concept evaluation.

Technical Skills

• SFIA TECH Level 5 – Specialist advice
• SFIA SINT Level 5 – Systems integration and build
• Enterprise data architecture and data platforms
• Data analytics and visualisation
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Machine-learning engineering
• Data pipelines, model training and inference
• MLOps, CI/CD and model lifecycle management
• Large language models and proof-of-concept development
• Cloud, on-premises and hybrid integration
• Enterprise architecture and integration patterns
• Information Security Manual-aligned security assessment
• AI governance, explainability and responsible AI
• Data and architectural governance frameworks
• Secure and mission-critical ICT environments

About the Team

The Decision Support team within G0 Army Fusion – Army Headquarters develops and sustains data analytics, data strategy and associated AI capabilities.

Its capability delivery areas include enterprise data platform development and sustainment, platform migration and modernisation, data integration and interoperability, analytics and visualisation, artificial intelligence, and the transition of capabilities from development into ongoing operational support.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience with provision of Technical Advisory Services (Data Analytics, Data Strategy & AI/ML Domain (as per defined responsibilities)
2. Demonstrated experience with ML engineering (as per defined responsibilities)
3. Demonstrated experience provision of services in conjunction with any relevant Commonwealth ICT frameworks, programs or strategies, for example, ISM, DSPF / DISP and Defence Data Strategy and Responsible use of AI.
4. Proposed methodology and approach for delivery of defined responsibilities. For example, any explanatory notes on applicable or previously utilised frameworks, approach methodologies
5. Ability to provide services on a schedule and availability according to Commonwealth requirements, i.e work calendar will be irregular to the maximum number of defined days requested.

The above evaluation criteria are not listed in any order of priority.