AI Engineering Lead

We’re the airline that dares to be different, bold, down-to-earth and built around giving our guests real choice. Safety is our backbone, service is our heartbeat, and our people are our superpower.

At Virgin Australia, we’re on a mission to be Australia’s most loved airline, for our people, our guests and our owners and we’re looking for passionate talent to help take us even higher.

We’re vibrant, authentic and unapologetically human. Here, you can bring your whole self, your Virgin Flair and your ambition to a team that champions individuality, innovation and a whole lot of heart. If you’re excited by meaningful work, real opportunities to grow, and a culture where you can genuinely make a difference, you’ll feel right at home with us.

What you’ll be doing

This role sits within our recently formed AI Team. Leading the AI Engineering team, you’ll be at the forefront of designing and scaling AI solutions that transform our business. This is a full stack engineering role focussed on production-grade engineering (React, Strands, FastMCP, Docker, AWS AgentCore). Reporting to the Head of AI, you will lead a growing team of five Senior AI Engineers and AI Engineers, supported by contractors as required. The team is split between our Brisbane and Sydney head offices.

This role combines hands-on AI software engineering with people leadership. You will help take high-impact initiatives from concept through to production, while coaching, developing and enabling the engineering team to deliver at its best.

You’ll be great in this role if you…

•  Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Data Science or have equivalent applied experience
• Bring extensive experience designing, building and operating production-grade AI systems (Typescript & Python).
• Have experience with MCP UI, Strands, FastMCP (or equivalents).
• Production-grade experience with AI observability (metrics, logs, traces) and security/privacy fundamentals (IAM, secrets, network isolation, PII handling).
• Thrive in Agile delivery environments owning roadmaps, estimation and stakeholder communication across technical and executive audiences

What you’ll get from us

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year) after your first three months.
• A flexible, hybrid work style. Work from home or the office, adapt your location to suit your style and needs.
• One of Brisbane’s most admired head office locations, with South Bank train station, a supermarket, pharmacy, and lunch options downstairs plus a 5-minute walk to the Busway, a rooftop restaurant and onsite gym (with a low membership fee) and South Bank Parklands just across the road. This role can also be based out of our beautiful Sydney CBD office.
• Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide .
• Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty and wellness services.
• Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health.
• ‘Dress for Your Day’ – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to apply?

We’re ready to hear from you. Apply now.