Senior Cyber Security Engineer
Date: 7 Apr 2025
Location: AU
Company: Department of Parliamentary Services
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Cyber Security Engineer
Employment Type: Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 23 April 2025
Contact: Paul Jennings, 02 6277 8040, paul.jennings@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
Would you like to work in one of Australia’s most iconic buildings, Parliament House, in a rewarding cyber security role supported by training, together with other benefits including free gym membership, free parking and a competitive salary?
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for an experienced Cyber Security Engineer within the Security Operations Section, Cyber Security Branch.
The Senior Cyber Security Engineer role will play an integral part in contributing to enablement and support of the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) and business operations. Responsibilities include the on-boarding of new log sources, developing and implementing engineering solutions for security use cases, updating and maintaining CSOC systems and providing specialist written and verbal advice to stakeholders.
The Parliament of Australia is the legislative branch of the government of Australia. DPS Information Services Division is responsible for the effective and secure operation of Parliament House's digital network and computing environment, which underpins the operation of the Australian Parliament. Recent events demonstrate the increasing prevalence of malicious cyber activity targeted at the political and democratic process in several countries.
In support of the Australian Parliament, we regularly defend against, and prepare for, a range of cyber threats, including hacktivism, cybercrimes, cyber-attacks, cyber espionage and cyber warfare. To bolster our cyber capability, DPS is seeking talented and motivated individuals to join our Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) to protect this critical national institution. As a member of a small team, you will work to uphold the integrity of Parliament House's digital network and computing environment, and work collaboratively with a range of domestic cyber agencies and international partners.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for intelligent, curious, self-motivated individuals with strong IT and analytical skills, who can apply a can-do attitude. Experience in Cyber Security and managing small teams is preferable to succeeding in this role.
The Cyber Security Operations team will work with you to build your skills and knowledge to enhance your cyber capability. Ongoing training and mentoring will provide you the opportunity to hone new skills and assist in continuously developing our diverse workforce.
If you believe that you are a good fit for DPS, and have the requisite skills, talent, and aptitude to play a part in defending our national democracy against current and future cyber threats, we welcome an application from you.
The key skills and experience include:
- Experience securely configuring and maintaining enterprise IT systems.
- Technical experience with automation tooling (e.g. Splunk SOAR or Microsoft Power Platform, CICD pipeline deployments)
- Experience with query languages (e.g. SPL, KQL, SQL)
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g. Python, PowerShell, Bash)
- Ability to identify and troubleshoot enterprise IT system problems.
- Experience writing technical system documentation of managed systems.
- Relevant qualifications or experience in information technology, computer science or related disciplines.
Job Specific Requirements:
• A level of prior cyber security skill, experience and a related qualification is desirable.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance.
At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Branch: Cyber Security Branch
Section: Cyber Security Operations
Immediate supervisor: Cyber Security Engineering Lead
Under limited direction, undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards, which include, but are not
limited to, the following:
1. Oversee systems engineering and administration of cyber security systems, including:
a. Ensuring security systems are ready, available, and capable of meeting the user’s requirements.
b. Onboard and integrate new DPS systems with security tooling.
c. Data hygiene and quality requirements are met and consistent across all systems and data sets (i.e. CIM compliance).
2. Oversee secure configuration of systems, including but not limited to ensuring:
a. User access and permissions are tightly controlled and regularly audited.
b. System configuration is in keeping with vendor and industry best practices.
c. Security requirements implemented using guidance from both ISM and ASD Essential 8.
3. Ensure documentation of new and existing systems is current.
4. Conduct and synthesise research and provide informed advice on the suitability of current and future systems to meet the security needs of the Department.
5. Supervise and plan for system maintenance and upgrades in advance, ensuring sufficient testing and user notification prior to commencement.
6. Facilitate automation and streamlining repeated processes where possible.
Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.
How to apply
Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department.
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.
Our purpose and values
We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.
Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.
Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.
What we can offer
Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
Salary
An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.
Conditions of Employment
Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:
• Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen.
• Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
• Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.