Technical Lead

The Descartes•Waterloo, ON

1d•CA$120,000 - CA$140,000•Remote

About The Position

This role exists to ensure our product teams build systems that are not only functional, but scalable, secure, and built to last. As a Technical Lead, you will set the technical direction and elevate engineering standards by translating complex product needs into well-architected solutions that balance immediate delivery with long-term platform health.

Requirements

Strong AI and ML system design skills, with experience building scalable, secure, mission-critical systems
Deep hands-on expertise across a wide variety of AI/ML related platforms. LLMs, Python based ML technologies and services, and data science awareness as examples of related technologies.
Strong proficiency in using Python as a main programming language.
Strong proficiency in SQL and NoSQL based data platforms.
Experience with caching and scheduling frameworks ex (SQS, Redis, and similar).
Proven experience deploying and operating applications in AWS utilizing multiple AWS services.
Experience with DevOps and engineering tools including Azure DevOps, GitHub, and CI/CD pipelines
Strong testing discipline with unit testing using pytest or equivalent with a focus on maintainability and code quality
Ability to lead through hands-on contribution, design leadership, and technical credibility—not authority
Skilled in code reviews, design reviews, and setting engineering standards
Proven ability to mentor and develop engineers through practical, real-time coaching
Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts and trade-offs
Experience working cross-functionally with Product, Design, QA, DevOps, and Security
Ability to translate product requirements into actionable technical solutions
Smart: Able to quickly understand complex systems, connect ideas, and make sound judgments.
Curious: Actively seeks to understand customer problems, emerging technologies, and better ways of working.
Coachable: Open to feedback, willing to adapt, and continuously improving through learning.

Nice To Haves

Frontend development experience in React/Vue or similar technologies is preferred.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Co-Pilot) to improve developer productivity

Responsibilities

Architect scalable, resilient AI and ML focused systems that support current product requirements while enabling future growth, with clear documentation of key design decisions and trade-offs.
Improve engineering quality and consistency across the team, evidenced by reduced defects, stronger code standards, and adoption of best practices in testing, observability, and security.
Accelerate delivery predictability by providing accurate technical input into planning, breaking down complex initiatives into actionable milestones, and reducing rework.
Strengthen technical capability of the team through mentorship, resulting in measurable growth in engineer autonomy and technical decision-making.
Ensure production readiness and reliability, with systems meeting defined SLAs and improved incident response practices and observability.
Drive effective cross-functional collaboration with Product, Design, and other technical leaders, resulting in well-defined, feasible solutions and fewer late-stage changes.
Contribute to organization-wide technical alignment, ensuring consistency in architecture and shared standards across teams.