Job Description

Azooa is Hiring: Senior Solution Architect – Data, AI/ML & Systems Integration

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Location: Symonston, ACT – remote/out-of-state arrangements may be considered

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Security Clearance: Minimum active NV1

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Engagement: Initial 12 months + up to 2 × 12-month extensions

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Indicative Start: 1 October 2026

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Work Allocation: Up to 154 days

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About the Opportunity

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Azooa is hiring a highly experienced Senior Solution Architect – Data, AI/ML & Systems Integration to support a major Department of Defence / Army Headquarters Decision Support environment.

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This is a senior hybrid role combining technical advisory, solution architecture, systems integration, data platforms, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and MLOps.

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The successful candidate will help develop and sustain enterprise data analytics capability, data strategy and AI-enabled technologies that support improved decision-making across Army leadership and operational environments.

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This is one position requiring capability across both TECH Level 5 and SINT Level 5.

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What You'll Be Doing

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Technical Leadership & Advisory

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- Provide senior technical advice across data analytics, data strategy, AI/ML and systems integration.
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- Support the development and refinement of enterprise data and AI/ML strategies.
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- Advise on secure data platforms across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments.
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- Translate complex technical information into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.
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- Support strategic planning for adoption of data, AI and contemporary ICT capabilities.
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- Act as a bridge between strategic planners, technical teams and operational stakeholders.
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- Define architectural patterns for enterprise data platforms and Machine Learning systems.
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- Design end-to-end data and ML solutions.
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- Develop architecture for data pipelines, model deployment and monitoring.
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- Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture, security and compliance requirements.
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- Guide integration across cloud, on-premises and hybrid systems.
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- Support security assessment of web-based decision-support and AI solutions in line with applicable Commonwealth security requirements.
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AI / Machine Learning Engineering

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- Design, build and maintain scalable data pipelines supporting model training and inference.
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- Develop, test and deploy Machine Learning models for decision support and operational analytics.
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- Implement MLOps practices including:
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- CI/CD
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- Monitoring
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- Support model governance, explainability, security and responsible use of AI.
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- Optimise model performance and operational reliability.
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- Evaluate AI integration tools, techniques and processes.
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- Provide authoritative guidance on AI integration and supporting technical frameworks.
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Systems Integration

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- Design integration approaches across applications, platforms, systems and data environments.
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- Enable reliable interoperability and data exchange.
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- Support integration of new capabilities into existing Defence ICT environments.
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- Evaluate integration tools and technical approaches.
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- Minimise technical risk and disruption when introducing or modifying capability.
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Governance & Standards

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- Contribute to data, AI and architectural standards.
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- Develop and improve governance frameworks.
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- Support ICT and MLOps operating models.
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- Contribute to continuous improvement of software development and operational standards.
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- Help establish sustainable approaches for ongoing capability delivery and support.
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The role is expected to contribute to or lead delivery of:

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- Web application and AI architectural patterns.
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- Data Analytics planning.
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- An operating model supporting Data as a Fundamental Input to Capability.
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- Development of specific Large Language Models (LLMs) and supporting ML ecosystems for proof-of-concept evaluation.
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- Data, AI and architecture governance frameworks.
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- Secure and sustainable AI/ML integration approaches.
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What We're Looking For

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You will ideally demonstrate strong experience across:

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- Data Architecture and Data Strategy.
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- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
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- Machine Learning Engineering.
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- MLOps.
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- Data pipeline design and engineering.
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- Systems Integration.
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- Cloud, on-premises and hybrid architectures.
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- AI/ML model deployment and monitoring.
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- Technical strategy and roadmap development.
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- Senior stakeholder engagement and technical advisory.
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Defence / Commonwealth Experience

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Highly competitive candidates will have experience working within Defence or Australian Government ICT environments and familiarity with areas such as:

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- Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM).
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- Defence security frameworks and environments.
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- Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
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- Data and AI governance.
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- Mission-critical or security-sensitive systems.
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Security Requirement

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Candidates must hold a minimum active NV1 security clearance.

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The engagement may involve environments classified up to SECRET, so experience operating within Defence security requirements will be highly regarded.

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Location & Engagement

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The primary work location is:

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Symonston, ACT

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Remote or out-of-state arrangements may be considered by the Commonwealth depending on delivery requirements.

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The initial engagement is expected to run for approximately 12 months, with up to two additional 12-month extension options available at the Commonwealth's discretion.

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The work schedule may be irregular and aligned to Commonwealth delivery requirements, with an allocation of up to 154 days.

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Why Join Azooa?

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Azooa works with experienced technology professionals across Defence and Federal Government programs.

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We support our contractors with:

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- Profile positioning and submission strategy.
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- Guidance on aligning experience to evaluation criteria.
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- Rate and market positioning support.
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- Access to Defence and Federal Government opportunities.
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- Ongoing engagement throughout the procurement and contracting process.
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📌 Data, AI/ML Architect (Canberra)
🏢 Azooa
📍 Canberra