Lead Data Scientist

AAR Consulting Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AAR Consulting Group seeks a Lead Data Scientist for government projects based in Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide or Hobart. You will lead AI/ML initiatives across the full model lifecycle, turning data into actionable insights to support strategic decisions.

You will collaborate with stakeholders to design robust evaluation frameworks, govern data and models, and drive scalable, cost-aware analytics solutions while maintaining compliance with governance and security requirements.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in data science, CS, statistics or math.
• Proven data science experience.
• Experience applying AI/ML to complex business problems.
• Knowledge of data modelling, analytics tools and visualization methods.
• Ability to obtain Baseline Security Clearance (Australian citizen).

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML solution design optimizing grounding, latency and cost.
• Lead data acquisition, integration, transformation and feature engineering.
• Design robust evaluation frameworks for qualitative and quantitative assessment.
• Deploy, monitor and continually improve analytics/AI/ML solutions across the model lifecycle.
• Lead advanced analyses to identify trends and actionable insights.
• Define modelling approaches and select ML techniques for complex problems.
• Engage stakeholders to understand business needs and shape analytical solutions.
• Maintain governance and documentation; provide QA reviews.
• Lead and manage team operations.
• Evolve AI/ML techniques for complex business problems.

Skills

SAS

Teradata

Python

Cloudera ML

Red Hat

Data science

ML concepts

Education

Advanced degree in CS/Statistics/Math

Tools

SAS

Teradata

Python

Red Hat

Cloudera ML

Job description

This role can be based in Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide or Hobart

Our client is a large, federal government department that is at the frontline of government service delivery - it’s using cutting edge technology to build world class platforms and capabilities

There are a range of projects including generative AI applications (knowledge search, intelligent information retrieval), predictive analytics and machine learning solutions that forecast outcomes and assess risk using historical data, and agentic AI capabilities

Role Description:

The Lead Data Scientist will lead the application of analytical, statistical and computational methods, including artificial intelligence, leveraging structured and unstructured data to supplement operational workflows and inform strategic decision making, across the end to end model lifecycle

Responsibilities:

• Lead and design the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that optimise for grounding, latency and cost
• Lead data acquisition, integration, transformation and feature engineering for complex datasets
• Design and implement robust qualitative and quantitative evaluation frameworks
• Lead the deployment, integration, monitoring and continual improvement of analytical, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions across the model lifecycle
• Lead advanced analysis to identify trends, drivers and actionable insights
• Define modelling approaches and select appropriate statistical and machine learning techniques for complex problems
• Engage stakeholders to understand business needs & shape analytical solutions
• Lead and maintain documentation and ensure compliance with governance
• Provide quality assurance reviews
• Lead and manage team operations
• Evolve artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical modelling and analytical techniques; and their application to complex business problems and datasets

Skills and Experience:

• Experienced with tools and technologies: SAS, Teradata, Python, Cloudera Machine Learning (CML) and Red Hat platforms
• Advanced degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field, with a focus on data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence
• Experience in data science with a proven track record
• Data science, analytical and modelling techniques - including artificial intelligence and machine learning and their application to complex business problems
• Knowledge of data modelling techniques (relational, dimensional, messaging and big data), data analysis and profiling using modern analytical tools and programming languages, and visualisation methods and tools
• Be across industry best practice and trends to achieve business outcomes
• Experience in statistical concepts, machine learning algorithms and modelling approaches applied to complex datasets
• Experienced across data science platforms, analytical environments and integration approaches that support scalable, reproducible and reliable delivery
• Experience applying best practice data cleansing, validation, quality assurance and feature preparation techniques for complex datasets
• Must hold Baseline Security Clearance or have the ability to attain clearance (must be an Australian citizen)

Please reach out to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process via *******@aarconsultinggroup.com.au or 02 9114 8***

At AAR Consulting Group we embrace diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We encourage and support applications from people with a disability.