Principal AI Architect

at; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global IT consulting firm is seeking a Principal AI Architect to join their Data & AI Engineering practice. In this role, you will lead AI strategy and architecture for a major client while shaping next-generation AI platforms. Ideal candidates will possess strong expertise in AI and data engineering, along with leadership experience in defining enterprise architecture. The position also emphasizes collaboration and mentorship across teams, ensuring you have a significant impact on project outcomes and client success.

Benefits

Share Purchase Plan (SPP)

Profit Participation Plan (PPP)

Global Health and Wellbeing program

Flexible work arrangements

Career Development Programs

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading AI/data strategy.
• Expertise in ML/AI and production-grade MLOps.
• Background in Lakehouse, ETL/ELT, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/data architecture and strategy.
• Develop AI strategies and reference architectures.
• Mentor teams and present to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership in AI/data strategy

Deep expertise in ML/AI

Strong data engineering background

Hands-on cloud proficiency

Expertise in RAG pipelines

AI evaluation and governance

Exceptional communication skills

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Vector databases

Job description

Recognised as one of the world’s largest IT and business consulting firms, CGI has offices across Australia, supporting local public and private sector clients to solve real business problems.

We have an opportunity for a Principal AI Architect to join our Data & AI Engineering practice and lead AI strategy, architecture, and enterprise‑scale solution design for a major client. Drawing on your deep expertise in AI, data engineering, and cloud architecture, you will shape next‑generation AI platforms, influence C‑suite stakeholders, and contribute to our strong culture of technical leadership and innovation.

Your future role and responsibilities:

• Report to Head of Data/AI Engineering and lead enterprise‑wide AI/data architecture
• Develop AI strategy, reference architectures, design patterns, and architectural standards
• Evaluate technologies, drive POCs, and provide guidance on complex technical decisions
• Build business cases with ROI/TCO analysis and translate technical concepts for C‑suite
• Establish architecture governance (ADRs), ensure security/compliance requirements
• Mentor architects/engineers, present to senior leadership, represent organization at events
• Stay current with emerging AI/ML technologies and industry best practices

Experience required to be successful in this role:

• Proven leadership in defining AI/data strategy and enterprise architecture
• Deep expertise in ML/AI, LLMs/GenAI, and production‑grade MLOps practices
• Strong data engineering background including Lakehouse, ETL/ELT, governance, and cloud platforms
• Hands‑on proficiency with at least one major cloud (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and modern vector databases
• Expertise designing RAG pipelines, retrieval strategies, and hybrid search architecture
• Strong experience with AI evaluation, safety, guardrails, and governance frameworks
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence C‑suite stakeholders

Why work for CGI?

Make a difference

From utilities and cybersecurity to government and financial service, we provide high end IT and business consulting to the world’s most vital and exciting sectors. We’re proud to partner with our clients to bring real business value and contribute to their success by delivering practical innovation that helps them meet their goals.

Your work is what you make it.

We provide a working environment where our CGI Partners are empowered to shape their careers and take on new responsibilities. As owners, we have the opportunity to drive our careers, forge meaningful relationships with our clients, and benefit from a job well done.

We enjoy what we do

As owners, we’re invested in creating an environment where we enjoy working together and learning from each other. We work with teams from all across the world and celebrate our CGI Partners’ unique differences. We thrive on building strong relationships with our fellow CGI Partners and supporting each other to develop professionally and achieve our potential.

Great benefits and work‑life balance

We strongly believe that work‑life balance is crucial to our success and the success of our CGI Partners. At CGI, a positive work‑life balance is encouraged and supported. We offer flexible work wherever possible and invest in benefits and services that are truly valued by our CGI Partners, such as our world leading health and wellbeing program, Oxygen.

• Share Purchase Plan (SPP)
• Profit Participation Plan (PPP)
• Global Health and Wellbeing program CGI Academia
• Volunteer leave
• Career Development Programs

Diversity statement

At CGI, we recognise the richness that diversity brings. We strive to create a work culture where everyone belongs, and we collaborate with clients in building more inclusive communities. As an equal opportunity employer, we empower all our CGI Partners to succeed and grow.

CGI is proud to be a Work180 endorsed employer for all women.

We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equal opportunity workplace. When you apply, please share any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

Apply today for more information.