Principal AI Engineer
Salary:$190,000 total package (inclusive of Superannuation) + Performance Bonus
Location:Melbourne or Sydney (Hybrid)
Role Type:Permanent / Full-Time
About the Opportunity
An enterprise-wide AI Hub has been established to identify, architect, and drive strategic AI opportunities across the business.
Operating on a centralized governance and federated delivery model, the Hub connects specialized domain areas—including Marketing & Sales, Enterprise Services, Software Development, and Capability & Risk Management.
As we scale up throughout FY27 and target major transformational outcomes into FY*****, we are seeking a Principal AI Engineer to bridge high-level enterprise AI strategy with practical, modern software engineering execution.
Sitting across AI Engineering and Assurance squads, you will act as a key connector between the central AI Hub and core Software Development domains, ensuring technical choices are scalable, financially optimized, compliant, and rapidly delivered to production.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Bridge & Architecture:Translate overarching enterprise AI strategy into clear technical roadmaps for software development teams, taking a long-term view on solution architecture and longevity.
Cross-Domain Advisory:Evaluate technology decision impacts across federated domains and squads, ensuring cross-functional alignment, security assurance, and cohesive tech adoption.
Engineering Standards & Delivery:Embed robust software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices, modern CI/CD pipelines, and rapid release mechanisms across AI-driven solutions.
FinOps & Resource Optimization:Provide technical oversight on cloud, compute, and model utilization to balance AI performance with cost efficiency (FinOps).




Technical Leadership & Mentorship:Lead architecture discussions, guide engineering pods, and elevate the technical capability of engineering teams through supportive, influential leadership.
Technical Capabilities
Strong Software Engineering Foundation:Proven track record in core software engineering, modern architecture, and customer-facing digital applications.
(Note: This is an AI/Software Engineering leadership role, not a pure Data Science or Data Engineering position.)
AI Application Expertise:Deep practical knowledge of embedding AI models, APIs, and frameworks into scalable software ecosystems.
Modern SDLC & CI/CD:Hands-on experience with automated deployment pipelines, rapid customer release environments, and modern cloud deployment architectures.
FinOps Awareness:Understanding of cost management, latency, and resource optimization associated with running AI models at scale.
Leadership & Mindset
Adaptable & Agile:Comfortable operating in fast-moving, evolving environments where priorities and context change rapidly.
Influential & Pragmatic:Strong facilitator who can confidently steer technical conversations, challenge assumptions, and drive delivery forward.
Team-oriented & Low-Ego:High emotional intelligence, humility, and strong interpersonal skills.
Diverse background experiences outside of insurance/financial services are highly welcomed.
What's on Offer
An influential leadership seat at the core of a newly established, high-visibility enterprise AI transformation.
Competitive package:$190,000 total package (inclusive of Superannuation) + short-term incentive / performance bonus.
Flexible working environment with a supportive, forward-thinking team culture.
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📌 Principle Ai Engineer (Melbourne)
🏢 Professional Search Group
📍 Melbourne