Senior Applied AI and Process Automation Programmer/Engineer

Saskatchewan Research Council•Saskatoon, SK

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) REE Commercial Division is seeking a Senior AI and Automation Programmer to lead the development and implementation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, machine vision, and process modeling solutions for SRC’s rare earth processing facility (REPF). This role will help move existing applications from research and prototype stages into reliable, maintainable, and safe plant use while continuing to improve the underlying models and develop new applications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum five years of relevant experience including industry, research, graduate work, or substantial independent projects demonstrating applied skills in machine learning, computer vision, automation, or industrial data analysis.
Experience developing machine-learning solutions in Python using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, OpenCV, or equivalent tools.
Experience with process-control fundamentals, system identification, optimization, model-predictive control, or hybrid physics- and data-based models.
General software development skills for creation of supportive technologies, such as user interfaces and data management solutions.
Recognize the potential consequences of control-system changes and works within established process-safety, cybersecurity, and management-of-change requirements.
Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
Highly motivated with a commitment to continuous learning in an innovative work environment.
Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and deploying machine learning and machine vision applications in industrial or applied environments.
Experience integrating digital solutions with industrial control systems, including PLC and SCADA platforms.
Experience with Arduino, C++, PLC programming and/or LabView development.
Networking certifications, such as CompTIA and Cisco.
Experience in chemical processing, mineral processing, or other industrial facility environments.

Responsibilities

Support the deployment of AI and automation solutions in a plant environment, ensuring reliability, usability, and alignment with operational requirements.
Support commissioning, field testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance of deployed applications.
Refactor and document prototype code where necessary.
Develop, train, and optimize machine learning models in Python using TensorFlow (or equivalent) libraries for process control.
Integrate AI, machine-learning, machine-vision, and process-modeling applications with approved plant data and automation systems, including sensors, data historians, PLCs, SCADA or DCS platforms, databases, cameras, and edge-computing devices.
Work with operators and subject matter experts to evaluate application performance, investigate unexpected behaviour, and continuously improve deployed systems.
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to identify high-value opportunities for advanced analytics, automation, and digital innovation within the rare earth processing facility.
Maintain clear documentation and support knowledge transfer so that systems can be understood and maintained by other.