About us
The NSW Police Force (NSWPF) is one of the largest police forces in the western world, with more than 20,000 employees, including more than 4,000 administrative employees who support the sworn officers that provide a range of law and order services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the socially, geographically and culturally diverse community of NSW.
About the role
We have an opportunity for a Principal Cyber Security Engineer to be part of our Cyber Security Engineering, Cyber Security team in Technology & Communication Services Command. The Principal Cyber Security Engineer provides strategic leadership and expert guidance in the design and delivery of secure, resilient technology solutions that safeguard critical policing systems and sensitive information. This role ensures cyber security is embedded into enterprise architecture and digital transformation initiatives, enabling NSWPF to uphold operational integrity, protect public trust, and deliver secure, modern policing services in a dynamic threat landscape.
View the relevant role description for more information on this role (e.g. essential requirements, key accountabilities, key challenges and capabilities required for the role)
By joining our team, you will be able to achieve the following:
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Strategic Influence & Autonomy - key influencer of enterprise security strategy
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Cutting-Edge Technology & Innovation - Cloud-native, containerized environments, Zero Trust, and advanced DevSecOps pipelines, AI-driven threat detection, and secure-by-design frameworks.
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End-to-End Ownership - architecture, implementation, and governance, giving the engineer full lifecycle visibility.
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Organisational Impact - drive cultural change, embedding security into engineering practices across the organisation.
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Innovation & Research - time and budget for research, attending conferences, and experimenting with emerging technologies.
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Career Growth & Recognition - principal-level leadership track, and clear progression to security leadership roles or specialized architecture positions.
What we can offer you
At NSWPF our people have access to a range of benefits that help balance life at work and at home. Some of the benefits available when you join the NSWPF include:
competitive salary;
flexible work options;
opportunity to purchase leave;
annual leave loading;
corporate wellbeing programs including seminars and the Fitness Passport;
free annual influenza vaccination;
salary packaging options via superannuation contributions or a novated vehicle lease;
convenient location for public transport and to shops etc; and (check with hiring manager if not sure & remove if not true)
in-house gym facilities. (remove if role not based at Parramatta)
How to Apply
Applications can only be submitted electronically via the I Work for NSW website.
To be considered for this role, attach a cover letter (2 pages maximum) and an up-to-date resume that clearly details your skills & experience as relevant to this role.
Please do not attach copies of qualifications, certificates or documentation (other than what has been requested) - you can bring these if called for interview.
Please address each of the following Target Questions (500 word per question) in the text boxes provided in the online application or attach as a separate document.
Target Question 1:
Network & Infrastructure Security Strategy
Describe a time when you designed or significantly improved the security posture of a complex network or infrastructure environment.
In your response, outline:
- The context and scale of the environment (e.g., multi-site, cloud/hybrid, critical systems)
- Key risks or vulnerabilities identified
- The security controls, architecture, or tooling you implemented (e.g., segmentation, zero trust, SIEM, EDR, firewalls)
- How you balanced security with operational requirements
- The measurable outcomes or improvements achieved
Target Question 2:
Technical Leadership to guide security initiatives
Describe a situation where you acted as a technical lead on a cybersecurity or infrastructure initiative involving network, virtual, or containerised platforms.
In your response, include:
- Your approach to leading the design and delivery of the solution
- How you mentored or upskilled team members (e.g., coaching, training, establishing standards or best practices)
- How you ensured alignment across stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and business units
- Describe a situation where two engineers had conflicting technical opinions and explain how you addressed and resolved the disagreement.
- A challenge you faced in leading the team or influencing outcomes, and how you resolved it
- The impact your leadership had on team capability and the success of the solution
Your application must stand on its own merits, and the completeness and relevance of your application will determine if you proceed through to the selection process.
If you require any further information about this opportunity, please contact the hiring manager Nadarajah Bhavan via 0457 607 499.
To be eligible to apply for this role, you must meet one of the following statuses:
Prior to commencement, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a rigorous National Police (criminal history) Check and obtain and maintain a Security Clearance as determined by the NSW Police Force.
Our commitment to Diversity
At the NSW Police Force, we are proud to be an employer of a diverse range of people. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community we serve and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees where differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging.
We welcome applications from individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disability, neurodiverse individuals, those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people of all ages.
We understand that the recruitment journey may present unique challenges. If you:
