Data, AI/ML Architect

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

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

Security Clearance: Minimum active NV1

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

Indicative Start: 1 October 2026

SFIA: TECH Level 5 / SINT Level 5

Work Allocation: Up to 154 days

About the Opportunity

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.

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

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.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

Technical Leadership & Advisory

• Provide senior technical advice across data analytics, data strategy, AI/ML and systems integration.
• Support the development and refinement of enterprise data and AI/ML strategies.
• Advise on secure data platforms across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments.
• Translate complex technical information into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Support strategic planning for adoption of data, AI and modern ICT capabilities.
• Act as a bridge between strategic planners, technical teams and operational stakeholders.

Solution Architecture

• Define architectural patterns for enterprise data platforms and Machine Learning systems.
• Design end-to-end data and ML solutions.
• Develop architecture for data pipelines, model deployment and monitoring.
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture, security and compliance requirements.
• Guide integration across cloud, on-premises and hybrid systems.
• Support security assessment of web-based decision-support and AI solutions in line with applicable Commonwealth security requirements.

AI / Machine Learning Engineering

• 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.
• CI/CD
• Model versioning
• Monitoring
• Retraining pipelines
• Support model governance, explainability, security and responsible use of AI.
• Optimise model performance and operational reliability.
• Evaluate AI integration tools, techniques and processes.
• Provide authoritative guidance on AI integration and supporting technical frameworks.

Systems Integration

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

Governance & Standards

• Contribute to data, AI and architectural standards.
• Develop and improve governance frameworks.
• Support ICT and MLOps operating models.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development and operational standards.
• Help establish sustainable approaches for ongoing capability delivery and support.

Key Deliverables

The role is expected to contribute to or lead delivery of:

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

What We’re Looking For

You will ideally demonstrate strong experience across:

• Enterprise Solution Architecture.
• Data Architecture and Data Strategy.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Machine Learning Engineering.
• MLOps.
• Enterprise data platforms.
• Data pipeline design and engineering.
• Systems Integration.
• Cloud, on-premises and hybrid architectures.
• Secure ICT environments.
• AI/ML model deployment and monitoring.
• Technical strategy and roadmap development.
• Senior stakeholder engagement and technical advisory.

Defence / Commonwealth Experience

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

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

Security Requirement

Candidates must hold a minimum active NV1 security clearance.

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

Location & Engagement

Symonston, ACT

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

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.

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

Why Join Azooa?

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

We support our contractors with:

• Profile positioning and submission strategy.
• Guidance on aligning experience to evaluation criteria.
• Rate and market positioning support.
• Access to Defence and Federal Government opportunities.
• Ongoing engagement throughout the procurement and contracting process.

If you are an experienced Solution Architect, Data Architect, AI/ML Architect or senior technical specialist with strong systems integration capability and an active NV1 clearance, we would like to hear from you.

Azooa is hiring now for this upcoming Defence opportunity.