Network Architect - Technical Specialist

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - Various

AFP BAND & SALARY - Technical Specialist - Band 4 ($196,298.00 - $214,356.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14720

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities 

What is the role?

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Command is a trusted frontline partner that enables policing through problem solving and technical expertise and excellence. The CIO Command enables the effective support to operations through four strategic pillars: Trusted frontline partner, embedded excellence and innovation, modern, secure platforms and methodologies, and specialised, engaged and agile workforce. Comprising of four branches; Technology Strategy and Data, Enterprise and Policing Systems, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, the CIO Command drives key technology capabilities across the AFP to deliver dynamic and fit-for-purpose functionality, data and insights.

The Chief Technology Officer Branch is seeking a Network Architect to lead the development and integration of core networking capabilities across on-premise and cloud environments. You will play a key role in ensuring the enterprise network remains secure, adaptable, and aligned with both strategic and operational needs. This role is expected to operate with limited supervision, demonstrate sound decision-making, and adapt to emerging priorities. You’ll also contribute to a positive team culture by modelling professionalism, encouraging collaboration, and supporting team capability development.

Technical Specialists provide expert consultancy within their area of specialism. They develop and promote technical solutions which support the business requirements of the AFP, within their area of expertise. As a member of Chief Technology Officer branch, you will ensure the achievement of outcomes are in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments.

What will you do?

As the Network Architect, you will play a leadership role in defining and implementing robust, future-ready network solutions. You will work proactively with internal stakeholders, project teams, and cyber security experts to ensure the enterprise network supports business priorities while complying with technical and governance standards.

Key Responsibilities include:

Network Architecture and Design:

• Lead the end-to-end design of enterprise network solutions across data center, cloud, WAN, and remote access environments.
• Develop scalable, resilient, and secure architectures tailored to organisational priorities and evolving technology trends.

Cloud and Hybrid Networking:

• Design integrated network solutions across Azure, AWS and on-premise environments.
• Collaborate with cloud infrastructure teams to ensure seamless, secure connectivity and unified management.

Software Defined Networking:

• Drive the adoption and optimisation of SD-WAN (e.g. Aruba) and data center SDN (e.g. VMWare NSX) solutions.
• Define SDN implementation standards to enhance network agility, visibility, and control.

Security Integration:

• Integrate security-by-design principles into all network architecture.
• Work closely with cyber security teams to support compliance, threat mitigation, and incident response readiness.

Gateway and DMZ Architecture:

• Design and maintain secure, high-availability perimeter and gateway environments to support external and internal access.
• Implement segmentation, monitoring, and access control strategies to safeguard external-facing services and protect internal systems.

Governance and Risk Management:

• Establish and maintain architecture frameworks, technology standards and reference models.
• Proactively identify risks and ensure alignment with relevant compliance obligations.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration:

• Provide expert guidance to senior stakeholders and contribute to the development of ICT strategy and roadmaps.
• Anticipate organisational needs and recommend network innovations that support broader digital transformation goals.

Mentorship and Capacity Uplift:

• Actively share knowledge and coach other team members, fostering professional growth and cross-skilling.
• Lead solution assurance, technical reviews, and ongoing team capability development.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive architecture documentation, diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Provide regular reports on network performance, resilience, risk posture, and improvement opportunities.

Troubleshooting and Operational Support:

• Provide high level support for complex network issues, particularly those requiring architectural insight or impacting business-critical systems.
• Lead root cause analysis and contribute to post-incident reviews, ensuring long-term solutions are integrated into future network designs and standards.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in networking or infrastructure roles, including 3+ years in a network architecture or lead capacity.
• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance, or the ability to obtain one.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing complex enterprise network architectures.
• Advanced technical knowledge of routing, switching, and firewall technologies (e.g. Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba).
• Demonstrated sound judgement and decision-making in high-impact technical environments.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or certifications (e.g. CCNP/CCIE, Azure/AWS networking).
• Experience leading strategic network transformations or ICT integration projects.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture and solution assurance practices.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and security frameworks (e.g. ISM, PSPF, ISO 27001).

Additional Information

• Domestic and International travel may be required for this role, depending on AFP business needs.
• This role is located in Canberra ACT, however flexible working options may be negotiated.

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and Experience
• Judgement and Risk
• Independence and Decision Making
• Building Strategic Relationships
• Research and Innovation
• Additional stakeholder emphasis

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role. 

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application may be invited to a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer:  Andrew Cooper,

Contact Officer Phone:  n/a, ​

Contact Officer Email:  andrew.cooper@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 03/07/2025

To view our other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au