Principal Network Architect

Optus is a leading Telecommunications company that is known for delivering innovative solutions to its customers, disrupting the industry, and becoming a technology company with a diverse offering of products and services.

This Principal-level Subject Matter Expert (SME) role represents the highest technical authority for Optus' corporate network architecture, corporate network segmentation strategy, cloud networking, and firewall technologies across on-premises, multiple clouds, and DMZ environments. As the organization's recognised technical leader in networking, you will define strategic direction, drive innovation, and ensure Optus maintains a world-class security posture aligned with regulatory requirements and business objectives.

You will architect and lead the evolution of zero-trust network architectures, enterprise-scale firewall strategies, advanced network segmentation (micro-segmentation, VLANs, VRFs), and secure multi-cloud networking across Azure, AWS, and on-premise infrastructure. This role demands deep subject matter expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence executive leadership while mentoring senior technical staff. Note: This role is solely focused on the Optus’ Corporate Network (not the Telecommunications Network Optus provides to its customers).

What You’ll Do

As Principal Architect, you will:

• Define and own the network security and segmentation strategy for Optus enterprise, cloud, edge, and telecommunications infrastructure
• Lead zero-trust architecture implementation and defence-in-depth security frameworks
• Architect secure multi-cloud networking (Azure Virtual WAN, AWS Transit Gateway, GCP VPC) and hybrid connectivity solutions
• Own the firewall and perimeter security strategy across next-generation platforms (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco)
• Drive security automation through Infrastructure-as-Code, policy-as-code, and orchestration
• Ensure SOCI compliance, ISO 27001 alignment, and regulatory adherence for critical telecommunications infrastructure
• Provide executive-level technical advisement on network security risk, strategy, and investment
• Lead industry thought leadership and establish Optus as a centre of excellence for networking
• Mentor other Senior and Lead Architects across Infrastructure and Business domains
• Influence Singtel Group architecture standards and cross-regional collaboration

This role represents the pinnacle of technical expertise within IT Infrastructure and Network Team. You will operate with significant autonomy, making strategic architectural decisions that impact the entire organisation. You are expected to drive organisational transformation through technical leadership

What You'll Bring

• SME Network Architecture and Leadership across technical expertise and strategic priorities
• Experience in IT Infrastructure within large corporate environments.
• Proven experience in network architecture, planning, and strategy development including designing defence-in-depth architectures with layered security controls across network, application, and data layer
• Deep expertise in Cisco technologies (routing, switching, wireless).
• Strong knowledge of firewall technologies (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA).
• Experience designing complex networks across Public Clouds, Retail Offices, Corporate Offices, Data Centers, and DMZs.
• Skilled in MS Office and architecture tools.
• Experience supporting programs/projects including budgeting and estimation.
• Ability to analyse and present complex data clearly (e.g., financials, infrastructure spend)
• Relevant tertiary qualifications

The Good Stuff...

• Competitive remuneration and employee discounts. Make life easier (and more affordable) with $80 monthly credit and 25% off Optus products and unique shopping discounts with our retail partners.
• Flexible working arrangements with opportunities to work three days in the office, two days remote or home.
• Vibrant and collaborative office campus that includes cafes, convenience store, chill out zones, GP, post office, gym and on-site childcare centre.
• Competitive leave policies, including additional 'Connected’ days to focus on culture, family, health, community, or whatever’s important to you.
• We support growing families with inclusive, carer-neutral paid Parental Leave of up to 16 weeks.
• Direct your own development and build future-ready skills with Optus U’s industry-focused micro-credentials, developed with La Trobe and Macquarie Universities.
• Build meaningful connections through employee-led networks and diversity initiatives including Culture Connect, Elevate Women, Disability Network and Express Yourself (LGBTQIA+).
• Put your wellbeing first with free access to counselling and support services, 24/7 — in-person, by phone, SMS, or video.
  
  

At Optus, we are strengthened by others and that means valuing diversity and saying ‘yes’ to embracing individual differences. We are committed to ensuring that our application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals from diverse gender, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, individuals with a disability, individuals identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals who may have served in the armed forces or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also want to do our best to make our recruitment process inclusive. If you require any adjustments or accessibility support to participate fairly and equitably in the recruitment process, please email AccessibleRecruitment@optus.com.au or call 1800 309 170. We're here to help. When you contact us, please advise your preferred method of contact and we will be in touch within 48 hours.

For more information on Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Optus, please visit https://www.optus.com.au/about/inclusion-diversity