We Go Beyond for A Safer World The Role We're seeking a Strategic Technology Architect to define and guide the next‑generation architecture for Tait's mission‑critical ecosystem. This role is ideal for a visionary systems thinker who explores emerging technologies, evaluates their commercial and operational value, and can articulate a clear architectural path forward. You will be one of the key architectural voices within the CTO Office, shaping long‑term architecture, conducting deep independent research, and identifying how emerging capabilities across LMR, LTE/5G/6G, AI/ML, sensing, cloud/edge, and automation can materially improve outcomes for public safety, utilities, and transportation customers. This is not a theoretical architecture role, nor a hands‑on POC‑builder role. You will connect technology foresight with customer value, business impact, and strategic investment, ensuring Tait's architecture evolves with clarity and purpose. Public safety, utilities, and transportation are undergoing a once‑in‑a‑generation technological shift. AI, cloud, sensing, and 5G→6G will redefine what "mission critical" means. By joining Tait's CTO Office, you will: Shape the future architecture of mission‑critical communications and field intelligence Influence technology that thousands of field workers and first responders rely on daily Drive innovation that improves safety, resilience, and operational effectiveness Explore emerging technologies and determine which ones become real products If you want to combine architecture, exploration, and meaningful real‑world impact, then this role gives you a rare opportunity to do exactly that. Key Responsibilities: Define the next generation mission critical architecture across LMR → LTE/5G → 6G, cloud/edge, AI enabled capabilities, and multimodal sensing. Continuously investigate emerging technologies and evaluate their strategic fit for mission critical environments. Analyze trends, technology readiness, ecosystem maturity, and adoption scenarios. Provide clear architectural recommendations rooted in technical depth and real operational constraints. Assess market signals, competitive movement, and adoption trajectories to guide timing and investment. Partner with product and commercial teams to ensure architectural directions are backed by strong business cases, customer value drivers, and go‑to‑market potential. Communicate emerging technology and architectural concepts in terms of customer benefit, ROI, risk reduction, and strategic impact - not just technical feasibility. Guide internal innovation teams by defining architectural hypotheses and evaluation criteria for POCs (executed by other teams). Work closely with engineering, product, and standards groups to drive alignment with the long‑term architecture. Support the CTO with architectural insights, strategic assessments, and technology direction proposals. About You To succeed in this role, you will have a bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, plus: Required: 7+ years in advanced technology architecture, systems engineering, R&D strategy, or innovation roles. Strong understanding of LMR, LTE, 5G, and foundational awareness of 6G trajectories. Experience with cloud/edge architectures, distributed systems, or intelligent field technologies. Understanding of public safety, utility, or transportation operational workflows and constraints. Exceptional ability to translate technology trends into architectural direction and strategic insight. Ability to translate AI opportunities into customer value narratives, commercial rationale, and strategic recommendations - recognizing that AI is no longer a theoretical trend but a core enabler of next generation mission‑critical systems. Preferred / Bonus Skills (Not required - but strong differentiators) Practical familiarity with AI enabled features used in mission critical contexts to help assess feasibility and architectural fit. (Hands‑on ML model development is not required however is a plus.) Knowledge of MCX, PTT, dispatch systems, radio/core networks, or hybrid LMR/broadband architectures. Background in CTO, innovation, advanced research, or long‑horizon architecture roles. What's in it for You? At Tait, we invest in our people and the communities we serve. We offer: A supportive, inclusive, and high‑performance culture guided by our values: Commitment to Listen, Courage to Act, and Integrity to Deliver. Focus on your wellbeing through health benefits after 12 months, annual flu vaccinations, and additional sick leave in your first year. Recognition of your commitment through long‑service benefits. Opportunities for growth, learning, and working with a world‑class team delivering impactful solutions. About Us For over 50 years, Tait Communications has designed, delivered, and supported critical communications networks for public safety, transportation, and utility customers worldwide. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, our network now spans the globe. Our employees thrive in a collaborative, creative environment where technological innovation makes a real difference for communities. By joining Tait, you'll become part of a team that values knowledge, expertise, and the meaningful impact of our work. Sound Like Your Kind of Role? If you are ready to take the next step in your career, work in a high‑performing organization, and collaborate with talented people who take pride in delivering great results, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Your CV will be retained unless you request its removal. #J-18808-Ljbffr