• Based at either our Melbourne Burwood or Geelong Waterfront Campus, hybrid work available 
• Fulltime and continuing
• HEW 10 $147,757 + 17% Superannuation

Are you ready to lead cyber security engineering at scale — protecting critical digital infrastructure while enabling innovation?

Deakin is seeking a Principal, Cyber Security Engineering to provide visible, strategic leadership in designing and delivering secure architectures that safeguard our networks, systems, cloud environments and data.

This is a senior technical leadership role with enterprise-wide impact — shaping how security is embedded into every layer of our digital ecosystem.

Why work with us?

At Deakin University, you’ll find more than a job - you’ll find a community and a way of working that supports you to do your best work. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne and regional Victoria, we offer an environment designed to help you thrive, with on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafés, accessible public transport and convenient parking.

We support flexible and hybrid working, generous leave provisions - including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional leave - and a wide range of staff benefits and discounts. Combined with our strong focus on health, wellbeing and professional development, Deakin offers a supportive, inclusive culture where leaders are trusted, people are valued and careers can grow.

About the role

Deakin isn't just adopting AI – we're building it. With Deakin GEM now live and our AI Factory accelerating capability across the institution, ambitious work is underway across multiple streams.

As Principal, Cyber Security Engineering you will lead the design, implementation and optimisation of advanced security technologies across hybrid, cloud and on-premise environments.

You’ll influence strategic decision-making, guide complex security initiatives and partner across the University to ensure cyber security is integrated seamlessly into technology projects — balancing protection, performance and user experience. You will play a critical role in strengthening Deakin’s cyber resilience while enabling innovation and customer-centric digital services.

You will:

• Design and deliver secure network architectures, systems and applications to protect against evolving cyber threats
• Lead implementation of security technologies across cloud, on-premise and hybrid environments
• Oversee vulnerability management, remediation strategies and proactive risk reduction initiatives
• Collaborate on threat detection, incident response and continuous improvement of security controls
• Lead cybersecurity engineering projects, ensuring delivery on time and within scope
• Partner with architecture teams to embed security-by-design into all IT systems
• Monitor emerging cyber threats and technologies, evolving security strategy accordingly
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing expert guidance on security practices and frameworks

About you

You are a seasoned cyber security engineering leader with extensive experience protecting complex enterprise environments.

You’ll bring:

• Deep technical expertise in network, cloud and infrastructure security
• Experience implementing advanced security solutions across large, complex organisations
• Strong knowledge of cyber security regulations, standards and frameworks
• A demonstrated ability to align security initiatives with broader business objectives
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capability
• The resilience and judgement to lead in high-pressure environments

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

PD - Principal, Cyber Security Engineering.pdf

To apply

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Daniel Appleby – Associate Director, Cyber Security Engineering via cyber.eng.recruitment@deakin.edu.au

Applications close 11.55pm on Sunday, 15 March 2026

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations. 

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.