Lead Principal Engineer - Cloud, AI & Platform Engineering

We're seeking an experienced Lead Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership on a major Federal Government technology transformation program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape enterprise architecture, influence engineering decisions, and drive the adoption of modern cloud and AI capabilities across large-scale platforms.
Key ResponsibilitiesProvide technical leadership and architectural direction for cloud-native, microservices-based and AI-enabled platformsLead the adoption of AI-enabled Software Development Lifecycle (AI SDLC) practicesDrive modern engineering practices including DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, observability and platform engineeringLead enterprise technology modernisation, including containerisation, reusable architecture patterns and enterprise integrationEstablish engineering governance, standards and capability uplift across multidisciplinary teamsMentor engineers and ensure knowledge transfer to support long-term organisational capabilityEssential Skills & Experience✔ Extensive experience designing and delivering cloud-native, microservices and event-driven architectures within complex enterprise environments✔ Strong experience in AI engineering, including enterprise AI solutions, semantic search, machine learning and responsible AI practices✔ Deep expertise across modern software engineering including:DevSecOpsCI/CDPlatform EngineeringSecurity by DesignAutomated TestingObservability✔ Proven success leading large-scale technology transformation initiatives and influencing enterprise architecture decisions✔ Outstanding stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with experience working alongside senior executives, delivery partners and multidisciplinary teams
Highly DesirableKubernetes, OpenShift, AKS, EKS or GKESite Reliability Engineering (SRE)Platform Engineering & Enterprise AutomationObservability toolingAgile leadership and coaching geographically dispersed teamsRole DetailsLocation: Canberra (Hybrid with flexible working arrangements)Occasional interstate travel may be requiredStart: October 2026Contract: 12 months + 2 x 12-month extension optionsSecurity Clearance: Baseline
This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior technology leader passionate about AI, cloud engineering, enterprise architecture and modern software delivery to make a significant impact within a large-scale Federal Government transformation program.