AI SOFTWARE ENGINEER (SOFTWARE OR FULL STACK ENGINEER TRANSITION PATH)
Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Richmond, Victoria (Hybrid)
Type: Full-time (Victorian-based applicants with full working rights only)
ABOUT SMEC AI
SMEC AI, the Small to Medium Enterprise Centre of Artificial Intelligence, is a Federal Government-funded initiative operated by Boab AI. We help Australian SMEs adopt and commercialise AI through consultations, pilot projects, and hands-on implementation. Our team works at the intersection of innovation, automation, and applied AI helping real businesses turn new technologies into growth opportunities.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role is designed for a strong Software Engineer or Full Stack Engineer who wants to transition into applied AI and AI software engineering. You will begin by building and integrating full stack systems and expand into:
• AI workflow design
• Agent-based automation
• API orchestration
• SME-focused AI implementations
You do not need to already be an AI expert. You do need strong engineering fundamentals and genuine curiosity about emerging AI tools.
This is an opportunity to develop real-world AI implementation capability while working on practical projects used by Australian businesses.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Initially, you will:
• Build and maintain lightweight full stack applications
• Develop backend integrations using REST APIs
• Connect third-party platforms (CRMs, document systems, communication tools)
• Structure clean, maintainable code across frontend and backend
As you grow into the role, you will:
• Integrate LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini or similar) into workflows
• Design automation pipelines
• Build AI-assisted internal tools
• Prototype AI-driven business use cases
• Contribute to structured AI implementation frameworks
CORE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
You must demonstrate strong capability in:
• A programming language such as JavaScript / TypeScript, Java or Python
• Modern frontend frameworks (eg. React or similar)
• REST API design and consumption
• Database integration (PostgreSQL, Firebase or equivalent)
• Git and version control
• Writing clean, structured, production-quality code
You should be comfortable working across frontend and backend environments.
AI INTEREST & LEARNING MINDSET
You do not need deep AI experience, but you must:
• Actively explore emerging technologies
• Demonstrate curiosity about automation and AI tools
• Show evidence of self-directed learning
• Be comfortable experimenting with new APIs and frameworks
Experience with any of the following is advantageous but not required:
• OpenAI, Gemini or Anthropic tools
• Particularly Claude Code
• Basic understanding of agent frameworks
We are looking for learning velocity more than pre-existing AI tools mastery.
COMMUNICATION & TEAM FIT
You should be able to:
• Communicate clearly in written and spoken English
• Participate in structured discussions
• Translate business requirements into technical tasks
• Work independently without constant supervision
This role involves occasional stakeholder interaction, but you will not be expected to lead complex client engagements immediately.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
• 2–5 years experience as a Full Stack Engineer
• Demonstrated ability to ship real applications
• Strong engineering fundamentals
• High initiative and ownership mindset
• Desire to transition into applied AI systems
GROWTH PATH
• Lead your own AI implementation projects
• Design structured automation frameworks for SMEs
• Contribute to SMEC AI's evolving implementation methodologies
• Potentially mentor future engineers
WHY JOIN SMEC AI
• Work at the frontline of AI adoption in Australia
• Build real systems used by real businesses
• Operate in a small, high-agency technical team
• Contribute to a nationally mandated AI adoption initiative
• Develop deep applied AI implementation capability
Salary Range: $100,000 – $140,000 AUD (inclusive of superannuation), depending on experience and demonstrated capability.
How to Apply: Submit your application via. Victorian-based applicants with full working rights only.