AI Engineer

Job Location

: Flexible (Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle)

We work in a thriving sector – one that puts us at the forefront of exciting and meaningful work. Every day we push boundaries to produce some of the world's most innovative and ground breaking technology. Individually we all contribute to our success. Collectively we make the impossible possible.

Recognised for delivering projects of global and national significance that help keep Australia safe, it is our shared passion that shapes our culture, and our people that make it a great place to work.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you'll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you'll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You'll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow - shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space - there's no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you. The job location is truly flexible with our current team spread from Brisbane to Perth, we embrace on line collaboration tools for all our work. We embrace flexible work arrangements at BAE Systems Australia, such as working a 9-day fortnight and hybrid working.

Role Description

Join a forward-thinking team at the forefront of innovation. We are seeking a talented AI Engineer to be part of our growing Integrated Defence \& Autonomous Systems (IDAS) capability.

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping cutting-edge solutions by designing, developing, optimising, and deploying advanced AI and machine learning systems. You'll contribute to mission-critical programs, applying your expertise to deliver high-impact, scalable, and reliable engineering outcomes in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Core Duties:

• Design, develop, optimise, and deploy machine learning and AI-driven solutions aligned with business and technical objectives.
• Work with both structured and unstructured datasets; perform data cleaning, transformation, and validation to ensure high-quality inputs for model development.
• Integrate AI and machine learning solutions into broader systems and platforms, ensuring scalability and performance.
• Conduct assurance and validation activities to ensure AI-driven solutions meet required standards, reliability, and governance requirements.
• Develop and maintain tools, frameworks, and pipelines to support machine learning development and deployment.
• Stay current with state-of-the-art advancements in machine learning and AI, applying best practices and emerging techniques where relevant.
• Evaluate and select appropriate models and algorithms based on specific use cases and constraints.
• Train, fine-tune, and optimise models to meet project and operational requirements.
• Contribute to project progress reviews and provide technical input on technology initiatives as required.
• Perform peer reviews of technical artefacts to ensure quality, accuracy, and alignment with project objectives.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing priorities and delivering outcomes independently.
• Provide expert guidance and strategic advice to Autonomy leadership on the development, deployment, and application of AI and machine learning solutions.
• Mentor and support engineering teams to build capability and drive the adoption of AI and machine learning practices.
• Contribute to the identification, development, and protection of intellectual property arising from technology projects.

About YOU

• Tertiary qualification in technology, engineering or similar is required
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in software engineering
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in machine learning
• Strong programming skills particularly with Python
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with high attention to detail
• Hands on experience in working in a Linux or Windows software development environments
• Knowledge and experience in using DOORS, and the Atlassian tool suite
• Ability to explain technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders
• Experience working with autonomous systems and Agile development environment highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Software Development lifecycle, and experience in at least 2 major lifecycle phases (i.e. requirements analysis, architectural design, coding, integration, acceptance testing), in an acquisition or sustainment context will be highly regarded
• Experience working safety critical systems design and related standards such as ARP4754A, ARP94910, DO-178C and DO-331 will be desirable
• Defence security clearance or eligibility to obtain NV1

Why BAE Systems?

Here you'll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work - this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You'll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what's most important to you and your family - support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the

Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026

. As members of the

Circle Back Initiative

, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.