This is a Lead AI and Automation Engineer role with Victoria University based in Melbourne, VIC, AU Victoria University Role Seniority - mid level More about the Lead AI and Automation Engineer role at Victoria University Exciting opportunity to build AI maturity within the organisation Work in a collaborative team environment The position is located at Footscray Campus, with option to work from City Campus too, and from Home. About VU At Victoria University (VU), our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in our Strategic Plan 2022-2028: Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers “Thriving place to Study and Work” will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride. About the Role: Lead the end-to-end design, development, and delivery of AI and automation solutions that address business and operational challenges across the University. You will be accountable for AI infrastructure development, and management, including AI models and lifecycle management. At the same time, you’ll work closely with teams across the university to turn ideas into intelligent, responsible, and human-centered solutions. You’ll also play a key role in shaping our AI infrastructure, overseeing the development and lifecycle of models and platforms in line with responsible AI practices. Salary: HEP 8 - $113,953 - $128,326 Plus Super 17% Contract Type: Full time, Continuing Hours per week: 36.75/1.0FTE Location: Hybrid 3:2 - Based at Footscray Park Campus with the option to work from the City Campus also. About You: We’re looking for a technically skilled Lead AI & Automation Engineer to contribute to the implementation of practical, data-informed automation and AI solutions across the University. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role focused on applying AI and automation tools to address real-world challenges and improve experiences for students and staff. You'll be responsible for building AI maturity across the organization by developing robust frameworks and foundational capabilities, delivering scalable solutions through advanced data engineering practices, leveraging external vendors to accelerate innovation, and actively participating in technical meetings to guide strategic decision-making. This role is ideal for someone with strong foundational skills in AI tooling, coding, and automation platforms—who is eager to grow their technical leadership in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment. Key Duties An example of your responsibilities or duties you may perform will include: Lead the design, development, and delivery of AI and automation solutions using Python, APIs, Power Platform, and PaaS tools. Co-develop and support AI infrastructure, including lifecycle management of ethical, responsible AI models, while contributing hands-on to solution builds. Partner with diverse stakeholders across the university to translate needs into scalable solutions, promoting responsible AI practices and ensuring integration with the broader enterprise technology environment. Why Join Us: VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Jobs at VU Webpage How to Apply: To view the Position Description, click here Lead AI and Automation Engineer. Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising: A cover letter Your curriculum vitae/resume Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description Applications will close Sunday 1 February at 5:00pm. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia. Why Join VU VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage Our Commitment to Protecting Country Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share. Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity VU is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA individuals, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. We are proud to be a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including accessible formats of documents, please contact us at inclusivecareers@vu.edu.au or call (03) 9919 5999. Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the Victoria University team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Leading AI and automation solutions ️ Developing AI infrastructure Collaborating with stakeholders Key Strengths AI tooling Coding ⚙️ Automation platforms Data engineering Stakeholder engagement ️ Responsible AI practices A Final Note: This is a role with Victoria University not with Hatch.