Solutions Architect - Fixed Term

Auckland Airport; Auckland; On-site; NZD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Airport is expanding its technology ecosystem with a Solutions Architect (Network & Infrastructure) role. You will design enterprise-scale network and infrastructure solutions to support day-of-ops performance, including active network design for comms rooms, and lead cross-functional teams through delivery, testing, and handover.

We expect strong leadership, deep network knowledge, and a track record in complex construction or fit-out projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Proven experience designing enterprise-scale network solutions.
• Strong leadership and ability to communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of VLANs, IP addressing, network segmentation, switch selection and uplink design.
• Foundational knowledge of server and virtualization infrastructure.
• Experience delivering network infrastructure for major construction or fit-out projects.
• ACE or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end solution design following Auckland Airport architecture principles and reference architectures.
• Lead active network design for comms rooms and edge devices, coordinating with passive cabling teams.
• Provide design assurance through build, testing, go-live and handover with PMO and vendors.
• Embed security and privacy requirements and satisfy AKL governance standards.
• Manage stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and communicate decisions clearly.
• Lead technical discussions with partners and internal teams to keep delivery moving.

Skills

Enterprise network design

Leadership & facilitation

Network fundamentals

Active network design

Security & privacy governance

Stakeholder management

Technical communication

ACE certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science / IT or related field

Job description

About the Role

Auckland Airport is a leading aviation and technology hub, focused on enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience through smart, connected digital solutions. Our technology environment is more like a digital ecosystem than a single business - a mini city supporting everything from aeronautical operations to retail, commercial property, car parking and corporate systems.

We’re growing - and with a fixed-term opportunity through to 27th July 2029, we’re looking for a Solutions Architect (Network & Infrastructure) to join our high-performing team as we deliver major programmes of work, including a new integrated terminal.

You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of technology at Auckland Airport - designing and delivering enterprise-scale network and infrastructure solutions that enable operational excellence in day-of-ops conditions. Working with cross-functional teams, you’ll provide technical leadership through implementation, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and future-ready, aligned to architecture, governance, and security standards.

This role is primarily focused on network infrastructure architecture, particularly the active network (switches and network equipment) in comms rooms. You’ll combine hands-on network delivery experience with a solid understanding of logical network design, such that what is designed on paper can be built, connected and supported in the real world.

Key Responsibilities

• Solution Architecture (Patterns & Guardrails): Own end-to-end solution design, applying Auckland Airport architecture principles, standards, patterns and reference architectures.

• Physical Network & Infrastructure Design: Lead the active network design (switches, network equipment and edge devices) for comms rooms and beyond, working with ICT leads who deliver the passive cabling network. Define connectivity requirements with edge devices and determine the switch platforms, quantities and design needed to meet them.

• Design Authority (Delivery > Go-Live > Ops): Partner with PMO/Delivery, vendors and Digital Operations to provide design assurance through build, testing, go-live and handover - ensuring solutions are fit-for-purpose, supportable, resilient, and ready for day-of-ops.

• Secure & Governed by Design (Risk, Privacy & ARB): Embed security and privacy from the outset, partnering with Security to meet AKL standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., NZ Privacy Act). Lead designs through ARB governance to confirm alignment, manage exceptions, and approve new technology.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Build strong relationships across business units and delivery partners, facilitate workshops to clarify needs and constraints, and communicate architecture decisions, trade-offs and impacts in a clear, pragmatic way that supports timely decision-making.

• Technical Leadership & Discussion: Lead technical discussions and design reviews with construction partners, network vendors, contractors and internal teams, resolve physical and logical design questions and keep decisions moving through delivery.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Proven experience in designing enterprise-level solutions.

• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills, including confidence leading technology discussions and workshops and communicating technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Working knowledge of network fundamentals and hardware, including VLANs, IP addressing, network segmentation, switch selection, uplink design, and connector types.

• Foundational knowledge of server and virtualisation infrastructure.

• Experience delivering network infrastructure for major construction or fit-out projects, including active network design for comms rooms.

• Relevant certifications such as Arista Certified Engineer (ACE) or equivalent.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong documentation skills.

Why Join Us?

• Build a Better Future at AKL: Be part of a once-in-a-generation programme of work, shaping the digital foundations that support safer, smoother journeys for travellers, airlines, and border partners.

• Real-world, mission-critical complexity: Work in a high-availability, safety-focused environment where solutions must perform in day-of-ops conditions across airside, terminal and landside.

• One team, shared standards: Join a collaborative Digital whānau that lives our values (All In / Know How / Let’s Go), with strong architecture practice, governance, and opportunities to grow your craft.

It’s our collaboration and passion that keep everything together. This is what our culture and heritage have been built on. When you work with us, you’ll share our ambition to be a great New Zealand business, and one that’s making a strong contribution to the wellbeing of our communities and economy.

Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously throughout the recruitment period, and appointments may be made before the official closing date of the advert.

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