Job Description

Job Title: Lead Optical Network Data Management Specialist

Security Clearance: Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2)

Duration: Initial 12 months with 2 x 12-month extensions

Industry: Government

Functional Expertise: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Sub-functional Expertise: Optical Networks / Data Centre Infrastructure

Location of work: Canberra, ACT

Working arrangements: Onsite – 5 days per week in the office. Remote and interstate-based candidates will not be considered.

Closing date: Friday, 31 July 2026

Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Optical Network Data Management Specialist to provide critical support for enterprise optical networking and data centre infrastructure. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting and sustaining core ICT infrastructure, ensuring the operational performance of data centre and optical network environments, and working closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver reliable infrastructure services.

Responsibilities

• Install and support network, server and associated ICT infrastructure within data centres.
• Undertake fibre optic and copper cabling installation, termination and testing, including rack preparation activities.
• Support the operation and sustainment of data centre and optical network environments.
• Apply strong networking knowledge to troubleshoot, resolve and optimise infrastructure performance.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of technical documentation under direction.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to deliver infrastructure solutions.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with client standards, procedures and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Telecommunications, Network Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated industry experience.
• Experience aligned with SFIA IT Infrastructure (ITOP) Level 4.
• Industry certifications are desirable, including:
  • Ciena certifications (e.g. Ciena Certified Network Associate/Professional).
  • Cisco certifications (e.g. CCNA, CCNP).
  • Optical networking or transport certifications, including DWDM/OTN-related qualifications.
  • Structured cabling or fibre optic handling certifications.

Key Capabilities

• Strong optical networking expertise.
• Enterprise data centre infrastructure support.
• Network troubleshooting and optimisation.
• Fibre optic installation and testing.
• Technical documentation.
• Vendor and stakeholder coordination.
• Infrastructure operations and support.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated minimum 5+ years’ experience engineering, operating, and supporting CIENA optical transport networks, including DWDM-based Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) solutions.
• Strong understanding of optical network architecture, design, and implementation, including provisioning, testing, optimisation, and ongoing support of CIENA platforms to deliver high-capacity, resilient services.
• Proven experience deploying and managing optical network infrastructure in data centre and enterprise environments, including fibre connectivity, carrier lead-in services, and end-to-end service commissioning.
• Current Australian Government NV2 security clearance, or ability and willingness to obtain and maintain one.

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to produce and maintain technical documentation, including High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), build guides, and operational procedures.
• Experience working within government or large enterprise environments, particularly secure and/or multi-site network infrastructures.
• Hands-on experience in data centre operations, including rack installation, structured cabling, and hardware lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with telecommunications carriers and service providers, including coordination of circuits, provisioning activities, and fault resolution.

How to apply

Please submit your application including your resume and a completed application form addressing the essential and desirable criteria. Ensure your application highlights your experience and any relevant certifications.