Staff Software Engineer - AI

Staff Software Engineer - AI

Optus & AI
At Optus, bandwagons aren’t really our thing. 

We’ve been using AI to improve the lives of our customers for almost ten years. From understanding the root cause of customer issues and proactively resolving them, to using it to inform our investment decisions, AI is embedded into what we do. With new cutting-edge tech at our fingertips, exciting partnerships under our belt and around every corner (Google and Samsung to name a couple), and a growing collective of talented people, we’re taking AI at Optus to the next level.

We’re bringing together the most curious-minded people to solve real problems, connect Australians like never before, and help shape the future of Optus while we’re at it. And your future too. We’re already on our way, and ahead of lots of the competition. Now’s the time to go bigger than ever.

This is no ‘quick win’ – we’re in this for the long haul because we know the positive impact it can make on our customers, communities and colleagues. We’re committed to doing it responsibly and ethically and we want you to be a part of it. You’re invited to join the Optus AI Tribe. 

Big opportunities

As a Staff Engineer - AI at Optus, you will lead the design and development of cutting-edge AI solutions, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and innovation within a high-performing squad. With expertise in architecture, security, DevOps, CI/CD, and multi-language programming, you’ll drive scalable, secure, and reliable AI systems. Collaborating with global leaders like Google and Amazon, you’ll integrate emerging technologies and shape the future of AI at Optus in an environment backed by bold investment and a passion for innovation.

Your day to day will consist of... 

• Lead and oversee technical delivery across Agile Tribes and Squads, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Define and govern architecture strategy, policies, and roadmaps, ensuring best practices in Event-Driven and Microservices Architecture.

• Mentor and support chapter members, providing guidance on technical challenges, conflict resolution, and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Drive innovation and execution of development activities that align with business goals and long-term Group IT strategies.

• Ensure high-quality software delivery, implementing rigorous validation, unit testing, and adherence to quality standards.

• Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration, creating opportunities for team members to discuss challenges and document key learnings.

• Participate in hiring and recruitment decisions, as well as performance reviews for chapter members.

• Respond to major production incidents by leading urgent application changes when required

What makes you perfect for the role? 

• Over eight years of experience in software engineering or related fields, with a strong track record of leading the design and development of complex software systems.

• Practical expertise in Google Data Analytics services, including BigQuery, Looker, Dataflow, and Pub/Sub.

• Extensive hands-on experience with enterprise-scale cloud platforms, covering cloud-native architectures, serverless computing, Kubernetes, microservices, IAM, and security frameworks.

• Experience building Gen AI applications

• Deep knowledge of AI and machine learning technologies, such as Google AI or similar. Services like Dialogflow, AutoML, Vertex AI, and Cloud Natural Language.

• Skilled in designing efficient data architectures for real-time, streaming, and batch processing, utilizing SQL, NoSQL, and modern data pipeline solutions.

• Strong understanding of DevOps methodologies, with experience using tools such as AWS, Jenkins, Bamboo, and cloud automation technologies.

• Proven leadership abilities with a passion for driving Agile transformation and fostering a culture of innovation.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence decision-making and collaborate effectively with C-level executives and senior leaders

Optus is a place where we let you do you. We offer a range of benefits including: 

• 3 days in the office, 2 days remote – with flexible hours to suit! 
• Inclusive paid parental leave with up to 14 weeks for the primary care giver 
• All Optus employees have access to resources, webinars and support via the ‘Parents at Work portal’ 
• Own your own growth by accessing an extensive online and facilitator led learning catalogue – even earn a MBA micro-credential via OptusU (University) 
• Connect at work through one of our employee-led volunteer groups: Elevate Women, Disability Network, Express Yourself (LGBTQIA+), United Veterans and Yarn Network 
• Vibrant campus life and a variety of facilities including restaurants, cafes, gymnasium, GP, and post office. 
• Two easy travel options to Sydney Campus: Optus bus from Sydney CBD (20min travel time) and Macquarie University Metro Station (every 6-8 minutes); morning and afternoon! 

Curious about our culture? Go behind the scenes with our people by searching #OptusLife on LinkedIn!
 

Intrigued but don't tick every box? We are building our AI capabilities and value diverse perspectives. If you're driven to join us on this journey, apply now - your passion matters more than a perfect match. 
 

At Optus, we are strengthened by others and that means valuing diversity and saying ‘yes’ to embracing individual differences. We are committed to ensuring that our application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals from diverse gender, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, individuals with a disability, individuals identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals who may have served in the armed forces or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you require any adjustments or accessibility support to participate fairly and equitably in the recruitment process, please email AccessibleRecruitment@optus.com.au along with your preferred method of contact and we will be in touch. 

For more information on Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Optus, please visit https://www.optus.com.au/about/inclusion-diversity.