AI Engineer

Lead AI innovation to transform education and operations
Design smart agents and automate university workflows
Collaborate across domains on impactful AI solutions
Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it's about the heart, connectedness and community you'd hope for in a regional university. But there's also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Southern Cross University is on an ambitious journey to redefine how technology empowers learning, research, and community impact. We're building a future-ready technology organisation – modern, secure, adaptable, and driven by innovation. Our teams are embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deliver smarter services and real-world benefits for students, staff, and the wider community.

Within Technology Services, our five dynamic work units – Data, Architecture & Integration, Cyber Resilience, Digital Delivery & Innovation, Technology Platforms, and Operations & Services – work collaboratively to deliver high-impact solutions across the University.

We're now seeking a visionary AI Engineer to design and deliver transformative AI-powered solutions that reshape how the University operates, learns, and engages. This is your chance to be at the forefront of AI in higher education, building intelligent applications, autonomous agents, and automation tools that will unlock new efficiencies and experiences across student services, teaching, learning, research, and administration.

This strategic role reports to the Business Process Engineering Principal and works across a rich ecosystem of university portfolios, from Future Students to Research & Enterprise, building next generation AI systems and driving intelligent automation at scale

You will make an impact by:

Design and deliver advanced AI solutions that address real-world challenges across learning, research and university operations
Develop and deploy intelligent agents to enhance student services, automate workflows, and support data-driven decision-making
Collaborate with academic and professional stakeholders to identify, shape, and implement high-value AI use cases across university domains
Create AI powered features and integrations with key platforms like Microsoft Dynamics, TechnologyOne, and Blackboard using Azure and OpenAI tools
Champion responsible AI development while fostering innovation through continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration, and ethical practices

What you will bring

You're a creative and technically sharp AI Engineer who's passionate about applying advanced technologies to solve complex, real-world problems. You thrive in fast paced, collaborative environments and are driven by a desire to make a measurable difference in the student and academic experience.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

Extensive AI/ML experience with a relevant degree and ideally 7+ years in development, including 4+ years focused on AI/ML applications
Strong technical expertise in LLMs, neural networks, and frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn
Proficiency in Python and .Net, with hands-on experience using Azure AI, OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Azure machine Learning
Proven track record delivering enterprise-grade AI solutions, ideally within higher education or similarly complex environments
Deep understanding of ethical AI practices, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and drive continuous innovation

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you'll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you'll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It's about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we're integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

Full-time, continuing (permanent)
Located at either Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
HEW Level 9. The base salary ranges from $134,393 - $140,896 per annum, plus 17% employer's contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $164,848.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it's like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Vivian Cormier
Email: j***@*******

Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 9 July 2026

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to j***@*******.

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AI Engineer