Principal Cloud Engineer

• Shape the University's enterprise cloud strategy and architecture
• Drive automation and modernisation across Azure and AWS platforms
• Collaborate with experts to deliver resilient, high performing IT services

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it's about the heart, connectedness and community you'd hope for in a regional university. But there's also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Southern Cross University is on an ambitious journey to redefine how technology empowers learning, research and community impact. We're building a future-ready technology organisation - modern, secure, adaptable and driven by innovation. Our teams are embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deliver smarter, more seamless services and to create meaningful benefits for students, staff and the wider community.

Our Technology Services division spanning Dat, Architecture & Integration, Cyber Resilience, Digital Delivery & Innovation, Technology Platforms, and Operations & Services, works collaboratively to deliver innovative, real-world outcomes for students, staff, and researchers.

We're now seeking a Principal Cloud Engineer to design, implement, and optimise cloud and platform services that underpin the University's digital transformation. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Platform Services, you'll lead cloud architecture and engineering practices that ensure scalable, secure, and high performing services across the institution.

You will make an impact by:

• Leading the design and implementation of secure, scalable cloud and platform solutions across Azure, AWS, and private cloud environments
• Driving cloud transformation and automation initiatives, implementing Infrastructure-as-Code, Terraform, Ansible, Python, and CI/CD pipelines
• Establishing technical standards and FinOps practices to ensure efficiency, compliance, and cost optimisation
• Providing technical leadership and mentorship to platform engineers, fostering capability and collaboration across teams
• Leading incident management and resolution for critical platform issues, ensuring operational resilience and reliability
• Researching and evaluating emerging technologies to advance innovation and modern practices in cloud and platform engineering

What you will bring

You're a strategic and hands-on technical leader who thrives on solving complex challenges and delivering scalable, resilient cloud solutions. You combine deep technical knowledge with strong communication and mentoring skills.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A postgraduate qualification in Information Technology or related field, and 8+ years' experience in cloud or platform engineering
• Expertise in cloud architecture and automation using Azure, AWS, Terraform, Ansible, and containerization, Kubernetes, AKS, Docker
• Strong knowledge of DevOps, FinOps, and security frameworks, with proven experience implementing scalable CI/CD and monitoring solutions
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex integration and platform modernization projects in enterprise environments
• Proven mentorship and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence technical direction and deliver results
• Microsoft certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert are highly regarded

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you'll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you'll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It's about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we're integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation Assistance, making it easier to join our regional communities
• The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, skills and experience.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it's like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Vivian Cormier

Email:

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 23 November 2025

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to