Senior Solutions Architect

Join to apply for the Senior Solutions Architect role at Local Peoples. This role is a full-time opportunity to join the Local Peoples team on a permanent basis, with your first engagement supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) within the Information Management and Technology Division. Local Peoples partners with Federal Government agencies to deliver high‑quality design, digital, and architectural services that support national operations and global service delivery. For this engagement, you will join DFAT’s Business Engagement and Design Section to contribute to the design, governance, and assurance of end‑to‑end ICT solutions across complex secure environments. Beyond this project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful digital and architectural projects across the Australian Public Sector. About the First Project (DFAT – Senior Solution & Domain Architect) You will work as part of a multi‑disciplinary architectural team responsible for developing technology designs, reference architectures, patterns, and roadmaps that support DFAT’s global operations. You will also participate in architectural governance forums such as the Design Authority (DA) and Architecture Review Board (ARB), ensuring technical designs align with DFAT’s standards, strategy, and security requirements. This project requires deep domain expertise in one or more areas: Cloud/Application Architecture This work is hybrid (Canberra‑based), with interstate/remote candidates considered case by case. Responsibilities Design and develop scalable, efficient, secure, and cost‑effective solutions aligned with DFAT business, functional, and technical requirements. Create architectural deliverables including high‑level designs, detailed designs, conceptual architectures, solution overviews, integration patterns, and technical assessments. Analyse and define interfaces, data flows, and integration points across systems spanning on‑prem, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and SaaS environments. Lead the evaluation, selection, and recommendation of technologies, platforms, and tools suitable for DFAT’s security and operational context. Produce reference architectures, landscape views, capability models, and domain roadmaps for current and future‑state environments. Provide architectural governance and assurance through participation in DFAT’s DA and ARB forums. Ensure designs align with DFAT frameworks, templates, standards, principles, and security guidelines. Collaborate across technical and non‑technical stakeholders to validate requirements, review designs, and support implementation teams. Perform technical analysis and assessments to support procurements, including product comparisons and risk assessments. Promote adherence to architecture practices, non‑functional requirements, security patterns, and quality assurance expectations across DFAT projects. Qualifications TOGAF or equivalent architectural certification (or ability to obtain). Demonstrated ongoing professional development through technology certifications, training, or relevant study. Strong expertise in one or more domains: network, cloud/application, infrastructure, or data. Demonstrated experience producing architecture documentation within structured governance environments. Minimum 5 years working within the ICT industry. Minimum 2 years producing solution architecture and/or system design documentation. Experience working on secure government systems. Experience across complex ICT environments with diverse technologies and integration challenges. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Active NV1 security clearance (mandatory). Experience working in complex global ICT environments. Experience applying the Information Security Manual (ISM) and Essential Eight via practical design approaches. Experience with cloud computing, hybrid architectures, and complex connectivity and integration patterns. Experience working across a diverse mix of on‑prem, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and SaaS technologies. Residency and Clearance Must hold an active NV1 security clearance. Must be an Australian Citizen. Candidates located in the ACT are preferred, however interstate/remote candidates may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Who are Local Peoples? Local Peoples is a strategic research and design studio based in Melbourne and Canberra, specialising in policy, service, and product design and delivery. Our mission is to co‑design healthy, resilient, and resourceful communities. As a certified B‑Corporation, we focus on social, environmental, and economic impact. We create lasting value by co‑designing, testing, and iterating on policies, services, products, and places to build a positive future for all Australians. We conduct independent research on education, policy co‑design, and inclusive design, and use our community engagement expertise to build communities that improve lives and inclusion for those often left behind. Our partners include state and local governments, social enterprises, universities, and large commercial organisations. We believe design research, thinking, and delivery can solve complex challenges and create positive change for people and the planet. We produce Matters Journal, a publication and community of 100K+, which focuses on design‑led social innovation and impact. Why join Local Peoples? Representative and inclusive — we are dedicated to building an inclusive and accessible workplace for people from diverse backgrounds. Impact driven — work towards achieving real impact for people and the environment. Fantastic culture — driven by a welcoming, supportive and collaborative team environment. Professional support for design excellence — benefit from being a part of one of Australia’s fastest growing design and delivery communities. Flexible working arrangements — including the ability to work remotely. Market rate salaries — attractive remuneration packages in line with the market rate. Flexible employment types — including the preference for permanent, but will consider contracting. #J-18808-Ljbffr