Staff ML Research Engineer

Royal Bank of Canada•Toronto, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

RBC Borealis is seeking an experienced Staff Machine Learning Research Engineer to drive innovation in advanced AI systems and architectures. In this role, you will design and implement cutting-edge solutions to complex organizational challenges, while establishing thought leadership across mission-critical ML systems. About the AI Group: 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. Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment RBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal/Native American status or any other legally-protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request. Our Employment Opportunities At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all. Join our Talent Community Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at RBC. Sign up and get customized info on our latest jobs, career tips and Recruitment events that matter to you. Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com. RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.

Requirements

A Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, 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 researchers, 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;
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 models 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.
Demonstrated a strong track record of leading and mentoring senior engineers through career advancement and establishing thought leadership as the primary technical authority on complex, mission-critical systems.
Bring experience transferring ML expertise across domains and applying behavioral signal analysis, anomaly detection, or graph-based systems to high-stakes production environments with real-world business impact.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement advanced artificial intelligence systems and architectures, applying extensive expertise to design innovative solutions that address highly complex organizational challenges and align with strategic objectives.
Lead cross functional collaboration with internal teams and external academic research groups to integrate cutting edge artificial intelligence advancements into enterprise systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and competitive positioning.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior developers and teams, fostering skill development and ensuring the successful execution of high impact projects.
Drive the evaluation and adoption of new technologies, algorithms, and methodologies, making strategic recommendations to enhance system capabilities, optimize performance, and deliver measurable business value.
Lead complex machine learning research engineering initiatives, solving abstract problems and delivering impactful solutions using advanced technical and business expertise.
Oversee decision making for highly complex issues with significant financial or operational impact, providing clear direction and actionable recommendations to management on key organizational priorities.
Develop and implement innovative solutions to address highly complex machine learning research engineering related problems ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Cultivate and maintain high impact relationships across multiple areas to provide strategic insights and delivering measurable value as a trusted advisor.

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