Senior solutions architect

Sunstone Advisory is supporting a national security agency in the Defence portfolio and is seeking two experienced Senior Solution Architects to lead the design of new enterprise key management and secrets management capabilities.

These are new positions, not a backfill. You will shape how cryptographic keys, certificates and secrets are generated, stored, rotated, audited and consumed across the agency’s on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments.

Duration: 12 month contract, with two 12 month extension options (up to 3 years in total).

Location: Positions are on-site in Canberra, up to 40 hours per week.

Start: Estimated 01 December 2026, negotiated subject to the client’s onboarding requirements.

Candidates must be an Australian Citizen and hold, or be able to obtain, a Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) Security Clearance. Candidates with a current TSPV clearance are strongly preferred. Successful candidates must also complete the client’s organisational suitability assessment before commencing.

The Role

Senior Solution Architect (Key and Secrets Management) – TSPV Clearance

Lead end-to-end solution architecture for enterprise key management and secrets management platforms, aligned to the agency’s security, operational and enterprise architecture requirements.

Key focus areas:

• Cryptographic key lifecycle, certificate management and automated key rotation

• Secure secrets integration for applications, CI/CD pipelines, containers and cloud services

• Solution designs, security models, data flows and technical roadmaps

• Options analysis, proof-of-concept activities and pilot deployments

• Migration from legacy key and credential management to a centralised platform

• Architecture governance, design reviews and accreditation documentation against the ISM and PSPF

• Technical leadership and mentoring for the implementation team and junior agency staff

Ideal background:

• 10+ years leading solution architecture on complex enterprise security, infrastructure, cloud or cyber security programs

• Proven design and integration experience in one or more areas:

  • Enterprise key management / secrets management

  • Identity and access management

  • PKI / cryptographic security solutions

• Secure design across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments, including high availability, resilience and disaster recovery

• Enterprise architecture methodologies and security architecture frameworks

• Ability to influence senior executives, governance boards and technical teams

• Tertiary qualification in IT, cyber security, computer science or engineering, or equivalent experience

The client assesses candidates against five Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) criteria at levels 5 and 6. Sunstone will work with shortlisted candidates on their responses.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to design a new capability at the core of a national security agency’s security architecture, apply via SEEK with your CV and a short note on your clearance status and earliest start date, or contact Sunstone Advisory for a confidential discussion. Applications close at 1200 AEST on 30 September 2026.

Why Sunstone?
People are at the core of Sunstone. We prioritise human connections and collaborations, supported by:

· Ongoing training, development, and coaching

· Dedicated Sunstone support through submission, onboarding and your contract

· Broader networking and community involvement opportunities

Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and professional. At Sunstone, you'll join a highly skilled, experienced team where talent, work ethic, and shared values are recognised and rewarded.

Sunstone are offering very attractive contractor rates.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.