Job no: 539821
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Information Technology
- Employment Type: 24 months fixed term contract role as Senior Specialist Critical Infrastructure, UNSW IT
- Starting salary $153933- 163338 plus generous super and leave loading
- Location: Kensington campus in NSW (Hybrid - Minimum 3-4 days on site)
About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
UNSW IT is part of UNSW’s Operations Division and provides high quality, sustainable, flexible products and state-of-the-art technology services to UNSW. Our priorities are to drive innovative architectures that enable UNSW’s digital future and be a trusted partner of the University.
Position Summary
The Senior Specialist Critical Infrastructure provides expert services in relation to the implementing, managing, operating, supporting and monitoring of the IT Managed Systems environment for all of UNSW.
The role has a particular focus on capital development projects, construction and refurbishment works, helping ensure IT infrastructure is planned and delivered to meet UNSW’s operational requirements. This includes working with project teams, consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders on infrastructure design, installation and commissioning. Experience with structured cabling and related IT infrastructure is desirable.
This role may support across virtual environments including Application, Networking, and other Microsoft and Linux related environments providing services to UNSW staff, students and alumni.
The position is part of UNSW IT but will works closely with the Faculties and Divisions to ensure the services operate within their defined metrics and to maximize uptime for the UNSW environment.
The role of Senior Specialist reports to the Team Leader and has no direct reports.
Accountabilities:
- Hardware Operations & Maintenance: Install, configure, and maintain physical servers, storage devices, and network hardware. Monitor hardware performance and health, proactively addressing issues to minimize downtime. Perform routine hardware inspections, firmware updates, and lifecycle management.
- Data Centre & On-Premises Infrastructure: Operate and maintain data center environments, including power, cooling, and cabling systems. Ensure physical security and environmental compliance of IT infrastructure standards Support rack-and-stack operations, patching, and structured cabling management.
- Incident & Problem Management: Respond to hardware-related incidents and service requests, ensuring timely resolution. Troubleshoot and diagnose hardware faults, coordinating with vendors for repairs or replacements.
- Asset & Inventory Management: Maintain accurate records of hardware assets, including procurement, deployment, and decommissioning. Track warranties, service contracts, and vendor support agreements.
- Project Involvement: Collaborate with project managers, architects, and consultants during the planning and design phases of capital works projects. Provide technical input into the design and specification of IT passive infrastructure (e.g., structured cabling, racks, patch panels, cable trays, conduits).
- Design & Documentation: Develop and review passive infrastructure designs, drawings, and specifications. Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, AS/NZS). Maintain accurate documentation of infrastructure layouts and as-built drawings.
- Implementation Oversight: Oversee installation activities by contractors to ensure adherence to design and quality standards. Conduct site inspections and audits during construction and commissioning phases. Coordinate testing and certification of cabling systems.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with internal IT teams, facilities management, and external vendors to align infrastructure delivery with operational needs. Provide technical advice and support to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure all passive infrastructure complies with organizational security, safety, and UNSW infrastructure and operational standards. Contribute to the development and maintenance of IT infrastructure standards and guidelines.
- Collaboration & Support: Work closely with network, systems, and application teams to support infrastructure needs. Provide technical guidance and support for infrastructure-related projects and upgrades. Provide expert level services and advice in relation to the implementing, management and operation of the IT Managed environment for all of UNSW. Be available for On-Call / After Hours support on a rotating basis, typically one week per month as well as weekend and After Hours work as required. Help manage complex risks, issues and costs, and work with the team to ensure appropriate solutions are in place.
- Assist the Team Leader in optimising the way in which the Infrastructure Services team works, including practices, organisation, and resourcing to promote team dynamics and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Key Selection Criteria:
Qualifications:
- Degree in Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Industry certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, Dell EMC, or equivalent are desirable.
Experience:
- Proven experience in hardware operations within enterprise IT environments.
- Hands-on experience with server hardware (e.g., Dell, HPE), storage systems, and network appliances/devices.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of data center and campus operations, structured cabling, telecommunication pathways and hardware lifecycle management.
- Proficiency in using monitoring tools and hardware diagnostic utilities.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Desirable Attributes:
- Proven experience in designing and implementing IT passive infrastructure in largescale capital works or construction projects.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Familiarity with ITIL practices and service management tools.
- Ability to lift and handle physical hardware safely in a data center and IT communications environment.
Benefits and Culture
- Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Career development opportunities
- 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits
To apply: Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses addressing the required Who you are criteria.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role; valid Australian working rights are required on application.
Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.
Contact: Jen MacLachlan - Talent Acquisition Partner- e: j.maclachlan@unsw.edu.au
Please apply through the application portal as we do not accept direct applications to the email above.
Applications close: Sunday 8th of November at 11.30pm
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Advertised: 27 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 08 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time