Engineer - Hawthorn East

We’ve been proudly serving Australian communities since 1914 and have grown to become a top 30-listed company on the ASX with a portfolio of iconic homegrown brands. At the heart of our continued success is over 115,000 team members working across the country, all contributing to bringing our customers smiles. You’ll not only get to see your work make a difference, you’ll be part of a team working together to help Australians eat and live better every day.

About the Team

As the way Australians shop continues to evolve, our Data and AI Team keep Coles at the forefront of modern retail. We combine data, artificial intelligence, and applied engineering to reimagine how our stores, supply chain, and digital channels operate - creating smarter, more connected, and seamless experiences for our customers and team members.

Operating as a centralised development and enablement function within Coles Technology, the team unites product, engineering, and platform capabilities to deliver the intelligence layer of the enterprise. We serve every part of Coles — from computer vision applications that enhance in-store experiences and reduce loss, to forecasting, optimisation, and decision-support solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy, and agility across our supply chain, retail operations, and corporate functions.

The scale and impact of this work are significant. Coles serves millions of customers each week across more than a thousand stores nationwide, and our AI and data capabilities provide the intelligence that underpins how we plan, move, sell, and serve. By combining deep data capability with applied AI and modern engineering, we're enabling Coles to become a truly AI-enabled enterprise, transforming how we operate and how Australia shops every day.

About the Role

As a Machine Learning Engineer specialising in computer vision, you'll design, develop, and deploy machine learning solutions that power real-world applications across our stores. Working within an innovation-focused team, you'll contribute to the full project lifecycle — from research and rapid experimentation through to production-grade deployments.

You'll work alongside curious, likeminded individuals across Coles who are passionate about AI innovation and experimentation, in an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving.

Your Impact and Key Responsibilities

The Machine Learning Engineer develops and deploys computer vision and machine learning solutions that enhance in-store experiences and drive operational efficiency. Projects range from real-time video streaming applications using Nvidia DeepStream to model training, evaluation, and production deployment.

You will take a hands-on approach to engineering, partnering with Lead Machine Learning Engineers, Product Owners, and the software engineering team to deliver on the strategic roadmap.

You'll drive technical excellence and deliver measurable outcomes by:

• Designing, implementing, and deploying machine learning and computer vision solutions to meet defined performance targets
• Developing and deploying real-time video streaming computer vision solutions using Nvidia DeepStream
• Training machine learning models through rapid experimentation to quickly validate or invalidate potential solutions
• Managing data preparation and engineering, ensuring our data annotation team has a steady pipeline of data to annotate
• Developing machine learning and data analysis software using best practices including version control, CI/CD, and automated testing
• Monitoring deployed machine learning systems, identifying and remediating issues, and carrying out iterative performance refinement
• Analysing large datasets from deployed solutions to create insights and reports for stakeholders
• Enhancing MLOps systems and processes within our Microsoft Azure cloud platform

About You and Your Skills

We're looking for a machine learning engineer with experience developing computer vision solutions and a passion for solving complex problems through applied AI.

You'll bring strong technical skills combined with a curiosity for innovation and experimentation. You'll maintain up-to-date knowledge of the rapidly evolving machine learning field, including state-of-the-art computer vision models and adjacent fields such as GenAI.

You'll have experience working in product-led environments focused on continuous iteration and value delivery. This will be reflected in your experience with agile delivery models and modern software development practices built around automation and CI/CD.

Further, you'll have:

• Proven years' of work experience in a machine learning, data science, or data engineering role
• An undergraduate tertiary degree in a relevant field (e.g. engineering, computer science, software engineering, or data science)
• Strong Python development skills including experience with libraries such as OpenCV, NumPy, and Pandas
• Experience building computer vision applications in at least one of: image classification, object detection, object tracking, or segmentation
• Knowledge of deep learning models and experience with at least one machine learning framework (such as PyTorch or TensorFlow)
• Experience developing, testing, and deploying real-time video streaming computer vision using Nvidia DeepStream
• Experience with cloud platforms (particularly Microsoft Azure) for tasks such as MLOps automation

While our technology stack is constantly evolving at present it consists of:

• Cloud Platform: Azure (AKS, Foundry, AML)
• Infrastructure & DevOps: Docker, Terraform, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines
• Languages: Python, R, TypeScript (React)
• Computer Vision: Nvidia DeepStream, OpenCV, PyTorch
• Machine Learning: PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, MLOps practices
• AI Frameworks: LangChain, Semantic Kernel
• Development Practices: Agile, GitOps, CI/CD, IaC, Microservice Architecture

We recognise that candidates will bring diverse combinations of skills and experience. While experience with these specific tools is valuable, we're equally interested in your ability to learn, adapt, and apply new technologies. We encourage you to apply if you have experience with similar tools and are passionate about technology, innovation, and solving complex problems through machine learning.

Additionally, we are not just looking for someone with technical skills and expertise, we value a cultural fit and we value diversity in the team in the pursuit of excellence and innovation.

General Skills

• Building strong collaborative relationships and effectively communicating technical concepts across teams with diverse backgrounds and skillsets
• Passionate about machine learning and sharing best practices in software development, data engineering, and MLOps
• Comfortable with agile ways of working, balancing the need for quality with near-term business benefit
• Demonstrating initiative and a genuine interest in continuous learning and professional development
• Good understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible working options: We know that work is only one part of your life, so we actively encourage a positive work-life balance and provide hybrid working options to help you achieve it.
• Office perks: Take advantage of our gym facility and fitness classes, free parking, BBQ area, mini-Coles supermarket, fooderie hub where you can sample new products before they hit the shelves, school holiday program and so much more when you come in.
• Discounts: Eligible team members receive 5% discount all year round on your Supermarket and Liquor online and in-store purchases. We also offer additional periods of double discount (10%) at various times throughout the year. As well as hotdeals exclusive to team members that translate into additional savings.
• Reward through recognition: Give and receive recognition, linked to our Coles values, through our digital recognition platform ‘mythanks’. You can accumulate points to redeem in the online shop for exciting gifts and electronic gift cards from an extensive range of retailers.
• Opportunities for learning and development: No matter where you start within our diverse business, you’ll have experiences, exposure, and education to satisfy you. Discover and explore a variety of career development programs and job-specific training.
• Paid parental leave: We understand how important your life outside work is and offer permanent team members paid parental leave to support you in balancing work and family.
• Investment in your future: Our annual team member share plan offer allows eligible team members to make regular pre-tax salary sacrifice deductions to purchase Coles Group shares.

About the recruitment process

We’re continuing to build a gender equitable team, and a culture that is just as diverse, inclusive and welcoming as the communities we serve. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe and respectful for our team. We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.

We’re happy to adjust our recruitment process to support candidates with disability. For further information and additional contact details visit the ‘Our Recruitment Process’ section of our careers site or email inclusionrecruitment@coles.com.au

Job ID: 178100

Employment Type: Full time