Principal Network Architect in Sydney

Firmus Technologies is a global leader pioneering the development and operation of efficient AI infrastructure across Asia Pacific. Founded in Australia in 2019, our mission is to create the most efficient AI infrastructure by combining cutting-edge technology with a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

As Principal Network Architect, Backbone Connectivity at Firmus, you will lead the architecture and technical assurance of the backbone connectivity platform that underpins the Firmus AI Factory ecosystem and Firmus AI Cloud. The role directly reports to the Network Engineering team as a principal technical lead and acts as a dedicated support of the Head of Connectivity as the primary technical authority for backbone architecture.

You will translate Firmus’s connectivity strategy into a scalable, resilient and vendor-neutral architecture, define the standards and design patterns that guide implementation, and ensure the backbone network positions Firmus as a leader in AI-ready connectivity, focusing on building and evolving Firmus’s national and international backbone across terrestrial and subsea networks, optical transport, IP backbone, data-centre interconnection and partner connectivity.

This role is responsible for the technical integrity of the backbone architecture across the full lifecycle, from concept and design assurance through delivery readiness, operational resilience and continuous improvement. You will work across carriers, subsea operators, terrestrial fibre providers, data-centre partners and internal engineering teams to ensure Firmus’s network connectivity is high-performance, secure, operationally robust and ready to scale with the company’s AI infrastructure growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the technical architecture of Firmus's backbone network and act as the principal technical adviser to the Head of Connectivity.
• Convert the Firmus Connectivity Strategy into an integrated, executable backbone architecture spanning subsea and terrestrial fibre, optical transport (DWDM/OTN), IP/MPLS and segment routing, data-centre interconnection and partner connectivity.
• Define the reference architecture, standards and reusable design patterns that guide engineers and partners.
• Set minimum resilience profiles, validate physical-route and shared-risk-link-group diversity, and provide independent technical assurance that designs can be delivered, operated and scaled safely across their full lifecycle.
• Act as technical design authority in vendor and technology selection for backbone and subsea services.
• Lead complex backbone changes and cutovers, mentor the engineering team, and benchmark Firmus's designs against leading global operators and hyperscalers.

What you’ll bring:

You are an accomplished network architect for large-scale, mission-critical connectivity infrastructure with deep expertise in national and international backbone design across terrestrial long-haul fibre and subsea systems. You are fluent in optical transport and IP backbone design, and understand how to design resilient, diverse networks free of unmanaged common-mode failure.

You have authored or materially shaped reference architectures, design standards, reusable patterns and architecture decision records at a hyperscale operator, carrier, or equivalent. You are comfortable engaging carriers, subsea consortia, internet exchanges and major equipment vendors, and can drive value engineering and sustainability outcomes without compromising resilience or performance.

Above all, you have the temperament of a senior technical leader operating across geographies: strong systems thinking, calm judgement under delivery and incident pressure, and the communication skill to carry a room of network engineers, a customer technical review, and an executive readout with equal clarity.

Skills & Experience:

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical foundation in network and connectivity engineering, ideally with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science or a related discipline, together with more than 12 years of progressive experience designing and operating large-scale backbone networks.

Experience authoring or contributing materially to global backbone reference architecture, minimum standards or interconnection strategy at a hyperscale, carrier or AI infrastructure operator is a strong differentiator, as is experience delivering into APAC markets — particularly Indonesia, Australia and Singapore.

Location & Reporting:

This role is based in Sydney, Australia, reporting to Senior Manager, Networking.

Diversity:

At Firmus, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who are passionate about creating a more sustainable future through innovative engineering solutions.

Join us in our mission to revolutionize the AI industry through sustainable practices and cutting-edge engineering.