Senior Principal, Databricks - Data and AI - Melbourne

Slalom; Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney; Remote; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Slalom Build is seeking a senior data architect in Brisbane to lead the architecture and delivery of enterprise-scale data platforms using Databricks and cloud technologies. You will build scalable data pipelines and AI-ready platforms supporting analytics, ML, and generative AI use cases.

You will design RAG solutions, vector stores, and embedding workflows, while establishing governance, security, and data quality standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering enterprise-scale data engineering and cloud transformation programs.
• Deep hands-on expertise with Databricks, PySpark, Python, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, and modern data engineering tooling.
• Strong experience designing and implementing AI-ready data platforms, including RAG architectures, vector stores, and LLM-integrated solutions.
• Proven architecture leadership with expertise in data modelling, governance, operating models, and engineering best practices.
• Strong consulting and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage everyone from engineers to C-suite executives.
• A track record of leading, mentoring, and growing high-performing data and AI engineering teams while driving innovation and delivery excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and delivery of enterprise-scale data platforms using Databricks and modern cloud technologies.
• Build scalable, production-grade data pipelines, data products, and AI-ready platforms that support analytics, machine learning, and generative AI use cases.
• Design and implement RAG solutions, vector databases, embedding pipelines, and AI-enabled engineering workflows.
• Establish governance, security, data quality, and engineering standards to ensure platforms are reliable, scalable, and compliant.
• Advise clients on data strategy, platform modernisation, AI adoption, and target-state architecture.
• Support pre-sales, solution design, and executive stakeholder engagement while mentoring and leading high-performing engineering teams.

Skills

Databricks

PySpark

Python

Delta Lake

Unity Catalog

Data engineering tooling

Tools

RAG architectures

vector stores

LLM integration

Job description

Slalom is a fiercely human business and technology consulting company that leads with outcomes to bring more value, in all ways, always. From strategy through delivery, our agile teams across 52 offices in 12 countries collaborate with clients to bring powerful customer experiences, innovative ways of working, and new products and services to life. We are trusted by leaders across the Global 1000, many successful enterprise and mid-market companies, and 500+ public sector organisations to improve operations, drive growth, and create value. At Slalom, we believe that together, we can move faster, dream bigger, and build better tomorrows for all.

The purpose of our Data and AI practice at Slalom is to build a better future with Data. Through trusted partnerships with our clients, we co-create modern data solutions that drive results and improve the world. We are continuing to grow our practice whilst keeping Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness at the forefront, and hiring individuals who share a similar passion for data, technology, and culture.

What You Will Do

• Lead the architecture, design, and delivery of enterprise-scale data platforms using Databricks and modern cloud technologies.
• Build scalable, production-grade data pipelines, data products, and AI-ready platforms that support analytics, machine learning, and generative AI use cases.
• Design and implement RAG solutions, vector databases, embedding pipelines, and AI-enabled engineering workflows.
• Establish governance, security, data quality, and engineering standards to ensure platforms are reliable, scalable, and compliant.
• Advise clients on data strategy, platform modernisation, AI adoption, and target-state architecture.
• Support pre-sales, solution design, and executive stakeholder engagement while mentoring and leading high-performing engineering teams.

What You Will Bring

• Extensive experience delivering enterprise-scale data engineering and cloud transformation programs.
• Deep hands-on expertise with Databricks, PySpark, Python, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, and modern data engineering tooling.
• Strong experience designing and implementing AI-ready data platforms, including RAG architectures, vector stores, and LLM-integrated solutions.
• Proven architecture leadership with expertise in data modelling, governance, operating models, and engineering best practices.
• Strong consulting and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage everyone from engineers to C-suite executives.
• A track record of leading, mentoring, and growing high-performing data and AI engineering teams while driving innovation and delivery excellence.

Our Values

Our culture and values reflect each individual Slalomer. We are dedicated to encouraging workplace diversity and ensuring all our people, from any background can contribute to their full potential. We wish to build a team that echoes the diversity of the communities we serve, and our values are an active part of our every-day, guiding our decisions.

What keeps us here?

When we moved to Australia in 2020, we had no idea just how important our work/life balance would need to be. We’ve asked our consultants what makes Slalom a great place to work and the most common answer - "the freedom to be ourselves when life gets in the way". We make a big effort to bring everyone together and allow space when space is needed. We believe in helping each other thrive in work and life and are proud to invest in benefits that include holistic wellbeing, meaningful allowances, and investment in our team’s professional, technical, and personal growth.

Slalom is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Slalom does not discriminate on grounds of race, religion, or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis as protected by applicable law.

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