Telstra seeks IT specialists for billion-dollar Defence deal

Telstra is looking to take on a range of IT professionals to bolster its $1.1 billion contract with the Department of Defence.

The telco has put out a call for specialists in the areas of service delivery, tech support, security architecture, network and systems engineering, unified comms, IT network architecture, IT operations, firewall and intrusion detection systems, network security and cyber security, among others.

It wants to fill 350 positions overall as part of the contract.

‘Telstra's aim is to deliver technology that can become the backbone of Australian Defence for the next decade and beyond,” the telco said in a job ad.

“If you have a current Australian Government security clearance or one that was recently active, we are interested in talking with you.”

Telstra is looking for candidates in Canberra and Melbourne to join its Defence Engagement team.

The telco was selected as Defence’s successful tenderer for the six-year project last October, with the deal officially signed last week. Telstra called the project its "largest customer undertaking".

The terrestrial communications contract involves combining Defence’s corporate and military requirements into one high-speed IP-based network, integrating fixed telecommunications with satellite and tactical networks. The telco will also provide unified comms, videoconferencing and end-user devices such as tablets and smartphones to Defence personnel.

Defence's telco network covers 430 sites and 100,000 users across Australia and overseas.

The project will allow Defence workers to connect to the department’s network at any time and on their own device, as well as cutting costs and slimlining operations. It is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

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