AI Engineer Lead

RBC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services organization seeks an AI Engineer Lead to drive innovation across global markets while mentoring teams. Responsibilities include defining AI technology roadmaps, developing enterprise-grade AI systems, and leading collaborations with senior leaders. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in AI/ML engineering and a strategic mindset. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Program

Flexible benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Dynamic and collaborative team environment

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in AI/ML engineering, leadership, and delivering production-scale AI solutions.
• Deep expertise in Generative AI, NLP, and computer vision.
• Proficient in Python and experienced in C/C++ or Java.
• Knowledge of blockchain and cloud-native AI deployment.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the AI technology roadmap.
• Design and oversee enterprise-grade AI/ML systems.
• Collaborate with leaders to translate challenges into AI strategies.
• Lead feasibility studies and R&D efforts for emerging technologies.
• Ensure robust deployment and optimization of AI pipelines.
• Communicate technical visions to C-suite executives.
• Proactively address ethical AI and data governance.

Skills

Big Data Management

Data Mining

Data Science

Deep Learning

Machine Learning (ML)

Predictive Analytics

Programming Languages

Education

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, AI, or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Hugging Face

AWS

GCP

Azure

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Description

Join RBC Capital Markets’ AI & Digital Engineering team as an AI Engineer Lead and shape the strategic direction of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Reporting directly to the Head of AI & Digital Engineering, you’ll drive innovation across global financial markets while mentoring high-performing teams and influencing executive stakeholders.

What will you do?

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the AI technology roadmap, aligning with business goals and regulatory requirements. Lead thought leadership initiatives to position RBC as an innovator in financial technology.
• Advanced Solution Architecture: Design and oversee the development of enterprise‑grade AI/ML systems, emphasizing scalability, security, and compliance. Focus on Generative AI, NLP, and blockchain applications.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Collaborate with senior leaders, data scientists, engineers, and business units to translate complex challenges into actionable AI strategies. Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of innovation.
• Research & Innovation: Lead feasibility studies, proof‑of‑concepts, and R&D efforts for emerging technologies. Evaluate and integrate cutting‑edge tools, frameworks, and cloud‑native solutions (AWS/GCP/Azure).
• Production Excellence: Ensure robust deployment and optimization of AI pipelines, balancing technical rigor with business impact. Champion MLOps and DevOps best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate technical visions and project outcomes to C‑suite executives, clients, and regulators. Represent RBC at industry conferences and forums.
• Risk & Compliance: Proactively address ethical AI, data governance, and regulatory considerations in financial services.

What do you need to succeed?

• Experience: Significant related experience in AI/ML engineering, including leadership or architectural roles, with a proven track record of delivering production‑scale AI solutions, ideally within finance or related industries.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Deep expertise in Generative AI (e.g., LLMs, diffusion models), NLP, and computer vision.
  • Proficiency in Python and experience with C/C++ or Java. Hands‑on with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face.
  • Blockchain knowledge (e.g., smart contracts, decentralized finance) and cloud‑native AI deployment (Kubernetes, serverless).
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical innovation with business outcomes and regulatory constraints. Experience influencing organizational strategy.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, mentor talent, and drive cultural change.
• Education: Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, AI, or a quantitative field preferred.
• Certifications: AWS/GCP/Azure AI certifications, CFA, or FRM a plus.
• Industry Insight: Strong understanding of capital markets, risk management, and financial regulations (e.g., MiFID II, Dodd‑Frank).

What's in it for you:

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program, including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, and opportunities for growth and development
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• The chance to work with a dynamic and collaborative team, and make a lasting impact on the organization
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including training and education programs
• A flexible work environment

Job Skills

Big Data Management, Data Mining, Data Science, Deep Learning, Machine Learning (ML), Predictive Analytics, Programming Languages

Additional Job Details

Address: ROYAL BANK PLAZA, 200 BAY ST:TORONTO

City: Toronto

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: CAPITAL MARKETS

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2025-12-19

Application Deadline: 2026-01-31

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

At 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.

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