Principal Adviser Data & AI Architecture​

• Shape the future of Rio Tinto's global Data & AI ecosystem by defining enterprise architecture across Databricks, Palantir Foundry, AWS and Azure platforms 

• Influence strategic technology direction, emerging AI capabilities and enterprise architecture standards in a newly created global role with significant organisational impact 

• Based in Brisbane or Perth with flexible hybrid working and opportunities to collaborate across the globe 

We're Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other. 

About the role 

We are looking for a Principal Adviser Data & AI Architecture to help our Data & AI Platform Team define the future of enterprise data, analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities across Rio Tinto. This newly created role sits at the intersection of central platform teams and product-aligned delivery teams, enabling innovation at scale through secure, scalable and cost-effective platform architecture.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Data & AI Platforms, you will provide strategic architecture leadership while remaining connected to technical delivery and emerging technology trends. 

What you’ll be doing 

Working in a collaborative global environment within the Data & AI Platform Team, you will: 

• Define and evolve enterprise architecture for Data & AI platforms including Databricks, Palantir Foundry, AWS and Azure ML/AI services across a multi-cloud global estate 
• Design reusable reference architectures, blueprints and golden paths that enable product teams to deliver secure and scalable solutions faster 
• Partner with Enterprise Architecture, Cyber Security and Data Governance teams to embed security, privacy, data sovereignty and responsible AI principles by design 
• Lead architecture governance activities including design reviews, architecture decision records, non-functional requirements and exception management 
• Assess emerging technologies including generative AI, agentic AI and cloud-native AI services to guide Rio Tinto’s future platform strategy 
• Drive architecture decisions that improve platform resilience, performance, data residency compliance and cost transparency through FinOps-aligned principles 
• Influence senior business, digital, engineering and vendor stakeholders to align platform direction with business outcomes and technology roadmaps 
• Provide thought leadership on scaling enterprise data, analytics and AI capabilities across a complex global organisation 

About you 

We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every helpful for success item to apply; if you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application. 

Required for Success 

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team 
• Deep expertise in Databricks, Lakehouse architecture, Unity Catalog and enterprise data platform design, with strong knowledge of Palantir Foundry, AWS and Azure AI/ML services 
• Demonstrated success in solution, platform or enterprise architecture roles within large multinational organisations, including hands-on data engineering and AI platform delivery 
• Degree qualification in Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline 
• Experience with multi-cloud architecture, TOGAF-aligned practices, architecture governance processes, ADRs, NFRs and responsible AI frameworks 
• Ability to influence and build alignment across technical and business stakeholders without direct authority 

Helpful for Success 

• Experience working in mining, manufacturing, banking, finance or other complex, data-intensive industries 
• Exposure to global, multi-region operating environments and vendor ecosystems including Microsoft, Databricks, Palantir, Accenture, EY or Cognizant 
• Curiosity for emerging Data & AI trends and a passion for translating innovation into practical business outcomes 

What we offer 

Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress. 

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority 

• A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto 

• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program  

• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family                

• Attractive share ownership plan 

• Company provided insurance cover 

• Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options 

• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions  

• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support  

• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick & cultural leave) 

• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more) 

• Possible domestic relocation assistance 

Where you’ll be working 

Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) is a global function delivering integrated and critical IT services and support to Rio Tinto’s mines, refineries, smelters, remote operations centres and corporate offices. IS&T’s mission is to power Rio Tinto’s pioneers with data and technology, enhancing safety, productivity, and value for the business. Through our collaborative partnerships and a deep understanding of our mining and metals business, IS&T carefully balances the implementation of ‘here and now’ solutions with emerging technologies that will help to create the digitally-optimised Rio Tinto of tomorrow.    

About Rio TintoRio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and InclusionAt Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.