Associate Director, AI Architecture

Associate Director, AI Architecture 

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 
 

We’re serious when we say we’re looking for people to define the future of AI at Optus. We’re rapidly scaling our AI capabilities and have cutting-edge tech at our fingertips. We’ve worked on world firsts with the world’s best thinkers like Microsoft. Google and Amazon. And have more exciting partnerships in the pipeline. Our leaders are investing in innovation in a big way and they’re backing our every move. It’s an exciting time to come aboard. 

Your day to day will consist of...  

• Lead and mentor AI Architects, fostering career growth, enhancing technical skills, and tracking performance. 

• Define and govern AI & ML architecture, including reference architectures, patterns, principles, and best practices. 

• Provide thought leadership in the emerging AI and Gen AI space by keeping abreast with the latest trends and technologies in this domain. Primary advocate of AI architecture and solutions across Optus.   

• Drive AI & ML solution design by collaborating with Solution Designers, Data Scientists, and Architects to develop scalable, reusable frameworks. 

• Shape AI strategy and roadmaps, contributing to enterprise-wide planning, cloud data strategy, and architecture decisions. 

• Provide high-level AI architecture guidance, participating in design consultations and estimation workshops to align solutions with business needs. 

• Ensure AI governance and compliance, working closely with Data Governance, AI Committees, and business stakeholders to uphold best practices 

What makes you perfect for the role? 

• Degree in Data Science, IT, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with a preference for a Master’s or PhD in Data Science. 

• At least 7 years of software development experience, including 5+ years in AI & ML solution delivery, design, or architecture. 

• Proven expertise in AI/GenAI solution design, specifying architectures and commercial models that balance business needs with cost, capability, and risk. 

• Strong background in AI frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, with hands-on experience in cloud AI platforms like GCP Vertex AI, AWS Personalize, or Azure ML. 

• Deep understanding of AI & ML architecture, including MLOps, CI/CD automation, and AI orchestration for integrating models from multiple vendors. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor AI Solution Architects, ensuring security, scalability, ethics, and data governance in AI solutions. 

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience creating technical visions, high-level architectures, and delivery roadmaps for large-scale programs. 

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.  

• Easy travel options to Sydney Campus: 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.