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

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

Location: Canberra / Remote (Hybrid).

1. A tailored resume in docx format.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

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.

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.

We know the government ICT market and we keep things straightforward. We take time to understand your background, your goals and the type of role that suits you. We believe transparency is about more than rates and our margins are fair and always disclosed.

1. Fair, disclosed margins
2. Clear communication at every stage
3. Honest advice on fit and competitiveness
4. Visibility on submissions and process status
5. A professional and respectful experience

You choose what's best for you.

1. PAYG through Pinaka
2. Third-party payroll
3. Self-employed (own ABN)
   With a single, transparent and fixed margin, we ensure compliance to all state and payroll laws. So that is one less thing for you to worry about.

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