About AARNET
Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet), founded in 1989, has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s digital landscape as the pioneers of the country’s Internet. Our mission extends beyond mere connectivity; we are the architects, builders, and operators of a world-class network infrastructure that fuels critical research and learning. At AARNet, innovation thrives within a vibrant community.
The Role: Senior Microsoft Engineer
The Senior Microsoft Systems Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Microsoft platform across on-premises infrastructure, hybrid identity and the Microsoft 365 cloud ecosystem.
The role operates with a security-first and best-practice mindset, ensuring solutions align to Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative, Zero Trust principles, and relevant compliance frameworks.
The role is expected to take ownership of complex technical problems end-to-end while acting as an internal subject matter expert across the Microsoft platform.
Key Responsibilities:
On - Premises Infrastructure
- Design, deploy, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019/2022/2025).
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Administer Active Directory, DNS, ADFS, Certificate Services and DFS.
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Manage Hyper-V virtualisation platforms including high availability and capacity planning.
- Administer and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments.
Microsoft 365 & Hybrid Identity
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Administer Microsoft 365 including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams and OneDrive.
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Configure and maintain SharePoint Online environments.
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Administer Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopilot provisioning.
- Own the hybrid identity architecture spanning on-premises Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID.
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Design and manage Conditional Access policies, enforcing MFA, compliant device requirements, location-based controls, and sign-in risk policies.
Security & Compliance
- Implement and maintain Zero Trust security principles across identity, endpoint, data, and network layers of the Microsoft stack.
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Administer and manage the Microsoft Security and Defender suite (Conditional Access, EntraID, Defender).
- Oversee Microsoft Purview for data classification, sensitivity labels, Compliance Manager, DLP policies, retention policies, eDiscovery, and insider risk management.
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Ensure configuration baselines align with CIS Benchmarks, ACSC Essential Eight and organisational security policy.
- Manage vulnerability patching cadence across servers and endpoints, ensuring compliance with defined standards.
Skills, experience & qualifications
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science or related discipline.
- 8+ years Microsoft Server Engineering Experience.
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Demonstrated ability to work prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and maintain professionalism.
- Ability to gather requirements, design and implement appropriate solutions.
- Demonstrated experience in configuring and maintaining Intune.
- Monitoring and remediating reports in Microsoft Security and Defender.
- Demonstrated configuring Purview for data security.
- Design, deploy and configure large multi-site enterprise Windows environments.
- Strong working knowledge with multi-server automated remote deployments.
- Extensive experience of automation technologies.
- Ability to analyse system reliability issues and deliver practical long-term improvements.
- IT Troubleshooting including performance monitoring and optimization.
- Documentation of process and procedures.
- Australian Citizenship is required for this role.
Why Work at AARNet?
At AARNet, we’re passionate about advancing global education and critical research. Our Australiawide network, with global reach, supports some of the most demanding networkbased applications. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven workplace where you can make a difference, consider joining our team.
Make an impact: By working with us, you’ll directly contribute to critical research in fields like astronomy, physics, earth observation, environment, health, and medicine. Our mission matters, and we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all.
Competitive Benefits and Conditions:
- Superannuation: Enjoy a 17% superannuation contribution.
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Parental/Adoption Leave: We offer 24 weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation topup.
- Secondary Carer Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for secondary caregivers.
- Wellness Leave: 2 days per month paid Women’s wellness leave.
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Family & Domestic Violence Leave: 20 days of paid leave.
- Other Supportive Leaves: Paid leave for various life events such as weddings, deaths, trauma, and disasters.
- Purchased Leave: Options to purchase additional Annual Leave.
- Flexible Work Options: We support work-life balance.
- Equal Opportunity Focus: We value diversity and inclusion.
- Social Responsibility and Ethics: We lead by example.
- Cutting-Edge Technologies: Access to work with the latest industry technology.
