Lead AI/ML Software Engineer

RBC • Toronto, ON

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking a Lead AI/ML Software Engineer to drive innovation at the intersection of AI / Machine Learning and financial services. You’ll be responsible for owning and delivering projects end to end – from design, development, testing and release of the product to production. In addition to software development tasks, the role will also include machine learning tasks such as data pre-processing and exploration, building and scaling ML algorithms and pipelines and deployment and monitoring of production systems. At RBC Digital, you’ll be joining a team that works on world class digital experiences and has access to rich and massive datasets and offers the computational resources to support cutting-edge machine learning development.

Requirements

• PhD or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Five or more years building and deploying Machine Learning models in production for real business problems.
• Advanced proficiency in Java/Python, with demonstrated ability to write production-grade code and documentation.
• Advanced proficiency with large language model architectures, including inference (Tensorflow or Pytorch), fine-tuning, and model deployment.
• Strong understanding and work experience with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, agentic systems, orchestration frameworks, context and memory management, and tool/skills integration patterns.
• In-depth knowledge of embeddings, re-rankers, and vector databasese.
• Expertise in ML experimentation, model evaluation, and production observability.
• Proven experience building and deploying RESTful APIs for ML model serving (FastAPI, Flask).
• Demonstrated proficiency with MLOps practices, including model serving, monitoring, CI/CD pipelines for ML systems, and containerized workload deployment (OpenShift Container Platform / OCP4 or Kubernetes)
• Proficiency with AI-assisted software development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Windsurf AI, Anthropic Claude Code).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams (business, engineering, model risk management).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Small Language Models (SLMs) for on-device inference, domain specialization through fine-tuning, or Reinforcement Learning applications.
• Track record of adopting and leveraging AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity, automate routine tasks, and drive efficiency.
• Demonstrates curiosity about emerging AI capabilities and a thoughtful approach to applying them for enhanced client outcomes.
• Experience in managing, mentoring, or coaching team members and empowering junior engineers to grow and succeed.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend components and ML models in support of Online Banking and digital channel applications.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation to ensure best practices and code quality.
• Apply software engineering and ML best practices architect robust, scalable machine learning systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a timely manner.
• Work in an agile environment, actively participating in sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

Benefits

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• Access to a variety of job opportunities across business and geographies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior