Principal Data & AI Engineer - $250k package

Allura Partners; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Senior platform ownership

Strong data/AI learning culture

Attractive salary package

Job summary

Allura Partners is recruiting a Principal Data & AI Engineer in Sydney to lead design of a cloud data platform, embedding GenAI and ML capabilities. This role has no direct reports but acts as the technical voice for business and technology leaders.

You will own architectures, set standards, mentor engineers, and ensure governance and cost efficiency while delivering scalable data solutions. Hybrid work and a senior seat in a data-forward firm are provided.

Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on data engineering background in SQL and Python on a modern cloud data platform.
• Production experience with GenAI or ML, beyond proofs of concept.
• Experience designing enterprise data models, such as Data Vault or dimensional.
• A solid grasp of what ML needs from data, including feature preparation.
• Comfortable using and setting standards for AI coding assistants.
• Previous Principal, Lead or Architect-level experience.
• A clear communicator who can bring non-technical leaders along.

Responsibilities

• Own the target architecture and data models for a cloud data platform supporting analytics, ML and GenAI.
• Build GenAI capability into the platform itself, including embeddings, search and LLM-powered data products.
• Set the patterns, standards and tooling engineers use day to day, including AI coding assistants.
• Make sure what’s built is monitored, governed and cost-effective.
• Coach engineers and help leaders turn business problems into workable technical solutions.

Skills

SQL

Python

GenAI/ML

Data modeling

Dimensional design

Data Vault

Communication

Tools

AI coding assistants

Job description

Principal Data & AI Engineer – Sydney – $250,000 package – Snowflake – AI

Our client is a well-established ASX listed Sydney financial services business with a strong focus on technology and data. They’re building out their data and AI capability and want a pricipal technical lead to help shape where it goes next.

About the Role

A principal hands‑on role with no direct reports. You’ll own the design of the business’s cloud data platform and how GenAI and ML are built into it, working alongside AI and platform engineers and acting as the go‑to technical voice for business and technology leaders.

Benefits

• Package of $250k
• Hybrid working
• Real ownership of platform direction and architecture decisions
• A senior seat in a business that’s investing in data and AI

Duties / Key Responsibilities

• Own the target architecture and data models for a cloud data platform supporting analytics, ML and GenAI
• Build GenAI capability into the platform itself, including embeddings, search and LLM-powered data products
• Set the patterns, standards and tooling engineers use day to day, including AI coding assistants
• Make sure what’s built is monitored, governed and cost-effective
• Coach engineers and help leaders turn business problems into workable technical solutions

Skills and Experience

• Strong hands‑on data engineering background in SQL and Python on a modern cloud data platform
• Production experience with GenAI or ML, beyond proofs of concept
• Experience designing enterprise data models, such as Data Vault or dimensional
• A solid grasp of what ML needs from data, including feature preparation
• Comfortable using and setting standards for AI coding assistants
• Previous Principal, Lead or Architect-level experience
• A clear communicator who can bring non-technical leaders along

About Allura Partners

Allura Partners was founded to support private equity firms by placing C‑Suites to lead, transform, and scale portfolio companies. Today, in addition to our proven private equity specialisation, we’ve become a trusted partner for major ASX-listed and private enterprises in Australia, offering executive search, recruitment, and business transformation. Known for integrity, reliability, and results, our expertise spans Executive Search, Accounting & Finance, Transformation & Change, and Technology & Digital. We connect businesses and top-tier talent, exceeding expectations and driving lasting impact.