Principal Data Scientist

Job Description
Principal Data Scientist | GenAI, LLMs & AI Engineering
Permanent opportunity
Location Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane
Go beyond the proof of concept. Build production AI that delivers real-world impact.
We’re looking for an exceptional Principal Data Scientist to help shape and build the next generation of AI solutions at Suncorp.
This is a deeply technical, hands-on role at the intersection of Data Science, Generative AI and AI Engineering. You’ll move comfortably between experimentation, AI solution architecture and production software engineering, taking complex ideas from first principles through to secure, reliable and scalable production services.
This role is for a builder. You’ll prototype rapidly, write production-quality Python, evaluate and optimise AI applications, and help engineer services that are observable, testable, maintainable, secure and cost-effective. You’ll also influence the technical patterns and engineering practices that enable AI to move beyond experimentation and operate successfully in an enterprise environment.
The technical landscape
You’ll have the opportunity to work across LLMs, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), embeddings, vector and hybrid search, reranking, grounding, tool/function calling, agentic workflows, and human-in-the-loop patterns. Multi-agent architectures are also in scope where they are the right technical choice.
But we’re not interested in technology for technology’s sake. We’re looking for someone with the technical judgement to determine when AI creates genuine value, when a simpler approach is better, and how to balance capability with reliability, security, risk, latency and cost.
What You’ll Do
Lead the design and delivery of complex Data Science, AI and Generative AI solutions, from experimentation through to production.
Remain hands-on across solution design, Python development, evaluation, testing, deployment, monitoring and optimisation.
Build practical applications using LLMs, RAG, agentic AI and AI-enabled automation.
Establish rigorous approaches to AI evaluation, testing, observability and continuous improvement.
Make pragmatic architectural decisions across deterministic workflows, single-agent and multi-agent solutions.
Partner with engineering, technology, architecture, risk and business teams to embed AI into real business processes and customer experiences.
Help establish reusable patterns and engineering practices that strengthen Data Science and AI capability.
Provide technical leadership, design and code review, mentoring and thought leadership while continuing to build.
What You’ll Bring
You’re an accomplished Data Scientist, ML Engineer or AI practitioner with significant technical depth and a track record of turning sophisticated ideas into working systems.
You’ll Bring
8+ years’ experience across Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, Software Engineering or closely related disciplines.
Recent hands-on experience building and deploying production AI/ML solutions.
Strong Python and software engineering capability, including APIs/services, automated testing, CI/CD, deployment, monitoring and observability.
Practical experience developing Generative AI and LLM applications.
Strong knowledge of RAG, retrieval, embeddings, vector or hybrid search, reranking and grounding.
Experience evaluating LLM applications across quality, groundedness, safety, reliability, latency and cost.
An understanding of LLM risks including hallucination, prompt injection, data leakage and inappropriate model or tool behaviour.
Experience with agentic systems including tool/function calling, workflow orchestration, state management and human-in-the-loop patterns.
Strong architectural judgement and the ability to make pragmatic engineering trade-offs.
The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical audiences and senior business stakeholders.
A relevant Bachelor’s degree is required. Postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded, although equivalent technical depth and significant industry experience are also valued.
Why this opportunity?
You’ll have the opportunity to influence how advanced AI is designed, evaluated, engineered and industrialised, while remaining close to the technology yourself.
You’ll help establish technical standards and reusable approaches, mentor other practitioners, contribute to the evolution of AI engineering practices, and build solutions focused on measurable customer, operational and business outcomes.
We’re looking for someone who is curious but pragmatic, experimental but engineering-minded, and excited by emerging technology without being distracted by hype. Someone who enjoys solving difficult problems and wants to help turn the possibilities of modern AI into reliable systems that work in the real world. Those qualities closely reflect the mindset described in the role specification.
If you’re looking for a Principal role where technical leadership still means building things, we’d like to hear from you.
What You’ll Enjoy
Access our award-winning Shine platform – your central hub for exclusive perks, wellbeing support, career development, and recognition. Shine has been recognised for excellence in employee experience, making it easier than ever to access what matters most to you.
Opportunity to receive performance-based Incentives and Suncorp shares for eligible employees
Hybrid working, flexible leave, 20 weeks paid parental leave, and up to 5 days paid flexible leave annually
Paid study support, career breaks, on-the-job learning, and a $1,000 referral bonus for eligible employees
Free wellbeing coaching, a dedicated Employee Council, and confidential EAP access
Discounts at 900+ retailers, Fitness Passport, and reduced super fees
Paid volunteer leave, donation matching, and unlimited emergency response leave
Diversity is celebrated through employee resource groups and inclusive policies for all families

Work arrangement
Yes