Tech Lead Manager

About the Role
x-RD is looking for a Tech Lead Manager to join our growing team in Canberra or Melbourne.
In this dual-focus role, you will combine hands-on principal engineering (60%) with leadership of a cross-functional team of up to 5 engineers (40%). Working alongside our CTO and specialised engineers, you will own the technical delivery of critical projects across secure military applications, sensor processing, cyber, and AI platforms for Australian Government and Defence customers.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Architecture: Own the technical design and delivery roadmaps for key projects, making high-level architecture decisions aligned with CTO standards while providing expert technical advice across other engagements.Technical Engineering (60%): Build secure AWS and sovereign cloud platforms, implement Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), containerized workloads, CI/CD pipelines, and observability tools.People Management (40%): Manage performance, career progression, wellbeing, and recruitment for 5 direct reports.Project Delivery: Drive delivery schedules, run iteration ceremonies, clear technical blockers, and manage incidents.Client and Commercial Engagement: Work with Project and Commercial Managers to deliver planning, scope and budget as well as providing technical input into bids, proposals and estimation when required.Security & Assurance: Embed secure-by-design practices, aligning architectures with the Information Security Manual (ISM) and accreditation standards.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Education: Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security, Engineering, Maths, Physics, or related discipline (Mandatory).Clearance: Must be an Australian Citizen with a current NV2 clearance OR eligibility and willingness to obtain/maintain NV2 or above.Experience: 8+ years in software development or DevOps engineering, with proven experience leading cross-functional teams (Software, Cyber, AI).Technical Depth: Expert hands-on skills in CI/CD, IaC, containers, and secure cloud architecture (AWS).
Highly Desirable
Experience delivering to Australian Defence, National Security, or Government clients.Knowledge of sovereign cloud/air-gapped environments, ISM, Essential Eight, or IRAP accreditation.Certifications in AWS, Kubernetes (CKA), or Cyber Security.
Why you’ll love this role:
Real Impact: Lead high-level technical delivery across secure military applications, sensor processing systems, cyber apps, and AI solutions.Balance: Stay technical, code, and design AWS/sovereign cloud architectures without losing your connection to team leadership.Professional Development: We provide annual funded professional development, conferences, and certifications.Support: We provide a monthly IT remote allowance and hybrid/flexible work arrangements.