Lead AI and Automation Engineer

About Us:

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 : 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.

• 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 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.

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.

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

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

Victoria University welcomes and celebrates the diverse perspectives, identities, and backgrounds of all people. We are committed to progressive inclusivity as a core strategic priority. All members of the VU community have a responsibility to be inclusive, respectful and supportive of all.

We are committed to maintaining a workforce which reflects the community we serve, this means we strive to attract, retain, develop and empower talented individuals from all backgrounds. We encourage applicants who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised people, those from the LGBTQIA+ community, people from all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.  We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens our community and fosters a more innovative, inclusive, and supportive working environment, where everyone feels they belong.

VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you have access requirements or would benefit from adjustments, including with position descriptions, application forms, or require any other document in an accessible format at any stage of the recruitment process please contact us at  or call