Staff Machine Learning Software Engineer

Royal Bank of Canada • Toronto, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

RBC Borealis is seeking an experienced Staff Machine Learning Software Engineer to lead the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of advanced AI initiatives in Borealis AI, aligning with organizational goals and driving impactful solutions to address complex business challenges. In this role, you will direct the management of multiple teams in AI Engineering, focusing on strategy implementation. RBC's AI Group is the AI accelerator for RBC, with a focus on driving the shift from early-stage AI projects to scaled, client outcomes that amplify the impact of RBC's people. In addition to helping scale the biggest AI opportunities at RBC, the AI Group is responsible for advancing research into emerging use cases across generative and agentic AI, while maintaining expertise in security, responsible AI and regulatory expectations. The Business Enablement function within the AI Group partners with LOBs and Functions to set AI ambition, originate transformation opportunities, and frame programs for delivery — ensuring RBC remains at the frontier of AI-enabled value creation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Math, Engineering or a related technical field;
• 10+ years of experience leading high-impact machine learning solutions in a product-centric environment;
• Experience managing/mentoring high-performing teams of data scientists and engineers;
• Proven expertise across the research and development lifecycle, from prototyping to production, with strong ability to engage stakeholders;
• Deep expertise in machine learning, statistics, and data science with experience in optimization, A/B testing, and causal inference;
• Possess a deep expertise in production ML infrastructure including model serving platforms, feature stores, and data pipelines, with ability to support teams in deploying and maintaining ML models at scale.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to translate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated a mastery of end-to-end ML system ownership in production environments, including model design, feature engineering, model architecture, drift detection, and serving infrastructure at scale.
• A deep expertise in building systems that serve as shared ML platforms for multiple downstream teams and use cases.
• A proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives by coordinating with diverse stakeholder groups (feature providers, policy teams, client teams) while maintaining system integrity and translating technical results to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee implementation of strategic AI roadmaps aligned with organizational objectives and deliver innovative solutions for complex business challenges.
• Direct cross functional collaboration, building strong relationships to drive impactful outcomes and influence enterprise strategies.
• Lead multiple AI focused initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency, resource optimization, and alignment with corporate strategic plans.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to teams, ensuring successful execution of high impact AI projects and contributing to long term objectives.
• Manage AI Engineering initiatives of significant complexity, applying advanced technical expertise to solve abstract problems, and making independent decisions across business units.
• Make independent decisions on program, technical or operational strategy for the department, providing leadership, coaching and mentorship through senior managers and managers. Set strategic direction for the department or area receiving high level direction from senior leaders.
• Drive innovation across areas of responsibility identifying opportunities for making operational changes and practices, solving highly complex problems broadly related to AI Engineering.
• Lead cross functional collaboration efforts, fostering strong internal relationships across the organization and external relationships to drive business outcomes.

What This Job Offers

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