Chief Engineer, Architecture & Platform

x15ventures; Sydney; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

x15ventures, a venture-scaler backed by CommBank, is seeking a Chief Engineer of Architecture and Platform in Sydney. You will drive innovation, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across our ventures and the Commonwealth Bank Group to shape AI-enabled architecture and platform strategies.

You will lead the design and implementation of large-scale, agentic distributed systems, influence senior stakeholders on modern development practices, and champion

Qualifications

• Proven experience in full-stack software engineering and leading impactful projects.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of TypeScript and DevSecOps practices.
• Expertise in optimizing AI inference and training pipelines.
• Knowledge of distributed storage, data pipelines, and scalable architectures.

Responsibilities

• Understand fast-moving technology; help engineers build adaptable software that evolves with tech changes.
• Promote DevSecOps mindset to uplift reliability and testing practices.
• Deliver stable platforms for internal consumers amid changing tech landscape; optimise for group outcomes.
• Keep learning while delivering concrete outcomes for customers.
• Shift between business solution and platform development; tailor communication accordingly.
• Collaborate with product and engineering stakeholders to influence solution principles and practices.
• Mentor team members and share best practices to solve real-time data-centric problems.

Skills

Full-stack engineering

TypeScript

DevSecOps

AI inference

Distributed architectures

Stakeholder management

Tools

LangChain

Semantic Kernel

AWS

Azure

Vercel

Cloudflare

Job description

We’re a venture-scaler powered by CommBank. That means we build, buy, and invest in startups that could benefit the bank’s 15 million customers and beyond.

Because of what we do, we’re really neither corporate, nor startup – instead we’re happily navigating the space between both worlds. We're close enough to benefit from the bank’s strategy, scale, and stability, but separate enough that we have the autonomy to try new things.

What it’s like to work here

We’re a community of galvanisers, thinkers, and doers. We have a big, bold vision, which so far no-one has nailed (including us). That excites, rather than deters, us.

We never lose sight of the impact we can have on people’s lives, and the role that each of us plays in shaping the bank of the future. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and make time to connect to celebrate and grow our people.

At x15, we’re guided by three values: Care, courage, and commitment. And what does that mean? We’re aware, attuned, and always act to help our people and our customers. We’re more than just job titles and we don’t hide the human stuff. We lead with grit and grace and do what’s right – even if it’s hard. And, whatever happens, we always find a way.

Where would you fit?

As the Chief Engineer Architecture and Platform, you will drive innovation, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across our ventures and the Commonwealth Bank Group to push the boundaries of what Architecture and Platform should look like with AI capabilities.

You will be a technical leader driving thought leadership, designing and implementing large scale Agentic distributed systems, as well as influencing and engaging senior stakeholders on modern development best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Understanding that technology is incredibly fast moving, you will help engineers create adaptable software that can rapidly change as the technology evolves.
• Bring a strong risk and growth mindset to the team, driving the adoption of DevSecOps mentality, focused on uplifting reliability, testing practices, and responsible AI.
• Relish the challenge of delivering stable platforms for internal consumers despite constant underlying technology changes and continuously optimising for group outcomes.
• Be self-motivated to keep learning while delivering concrete outcomes for customers.
• Shift between "business" solution development and "platform" development at will, with the ability to tailor communication as needed.
• Partner with product and engineering stakeholders at different seniority levels to influence and educate them on solution principles and practices.
• Coach and mentor other team members by normalising best practices and hard-earned learnings to break the boundaries in solving real-time data-centric problems.

Experience

• Proven experience in full-stack software engineering and leading impactful projects
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong skills in TypeScript, and DevSecOps practices
• Expertise in optimizing AI inference and training pipelines
• Knowledge of distributed storage, data pipelines, and scalable architectures
• Curiosity about Generative AI (e.g., transformers, LLMs, diffusion models)
• A risk-aware mindset and sound judgment in complex environments

Technical Skills

• Cloud architecture, development, security, and IaC (AWS & Azure)
• Exposure to modern platforms like vercel and cloudflare
• High-availability systems, API gateways, agentic systems
• Languages: .NET, Python, TypeScript, C#
• GenAI tools: LangChain, Semantic Kernel
• Databases: Vector, Graph, SQL
• DevSecOps
• Workflow and customer engagement platforms

Why Join Us?

• Enjoy a flexible and dynamic startup environment
• We nurture a safe space for our people to show up as they are!
• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Access to the best in class benefits that CommBank offers.

Research shows that people from underrepresented backgrounds sometimes hesitate to apply for roles if they don't meet every requirement. If this is you, don’t worry - we still encourage you to apply. We are committed to creating a workplace that supports long-lasting and meaningful careers for everyone, and your unique skills and perspective might be just what we’re looking for!