Lead AI Data Scientist

About the role

The Federal Government client seeks an experienced Lead Data Scientist (EL1) to design, develop and deliver advanced AI and machine learning solutions across a complex government environment. You will translate business challenges into actionable insights, oversee model lifecycles and provide technical leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design, development and implementation of AI, ML and advanced analytics solutions for complex business challenges.
• Oversee end‑to‑end data science activities including data acquisition, feature engineering, modelling and production deployment.
• Design and implement generative AI, Large Language Model (LLM) and agentic AI solutions with focus on performance, scalability and cost efficiency.
• Establish evaluation frameworks, testing methodologies and quality‑assurance processes for model performance.
• Develop and optimise data pipelines, analytical environments and CI/CD processes for production‑ready solutions.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience leading data science projects in complex organisational settings and delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Proven ability to translate ambiguous business problems into practical AI/ML solutions while managing stakeholders, risks and dependencies.
• Experience applying responsible AI principles, data governance and ethical risk management.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or professional certifications in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or related fields.

Required skills

• Machine learning and statistical modelling.
• Data engineering and automated data pipelines.
• CI/CD integration, model deployment and lifecycle management.
• Relational, dimensional and big‑data modelling.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead high‑impact AI and ML initiatives within a federal government environment.
• Work with emerging technologies such as generative AI, LLMs and agentic AI.
• Influence strategic decision‑making and shape enterprise‑wide data and AI capabilities.
• Technical leadership role with mentoring and best‑practice development responsibilities.