AI Scientist & Engineer, Assurance Innovation Lab

BDO Canada; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO Canada is seeking an exceptionally skilled AI Scientist & Engineer to bridge advanced data science with scalable enterprise software in the Assurance Innovation Lab.

You will work across ASR Labs, collaborating with AI Studio, Central Data Team, and I&C to design, prototype, and deploy AI-enabled platforms that transform Assurance processes. 3–5 years of hands-on ML and Generative AI experience in production environments is preferred.

Qualifications

• Expert-level Python is required; professional proficiency in other languages is advantageous.
• Deep experience with OpenAI API, Anthropic, Hugging Face, LangChain, LlamaIndex and LangGraph.
• Data science stack: PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib.
• Knowledge of training/fine-tuning open-source LLMs and knowledge graphs.
• Hands-on experience with vector databases: Pinecone, Milvus, Weaviate; SQL/NoSQL databases.
• DevOps/MLOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Nvidia Triton, MLflow, Weights & Biases.
• Cloud platforms: Azure, AWS Bedrock, or GCP.
• RAG architectures and multi-agent AI design patterns.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, train, and optimize ML/AI models for Assurance transformation.
• Develop intelligent solutions using NLP, generative AI, knowledge graphs, and automation.
• Prototype AI technologies and use cases within Assurance R&D labs.
• Evaluate model performance, explainability, reliability, and responsible AI aspects.
• Contribute to scalable AI-enabled workflows and operational solutions.

Skills

Python

Other languages (R/Scala/Java/TypeSct)

OpenAI API

Anthropic

Hugging Face

LangChain

LlamaIndex

LangGraph

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Scikit-Learn

Pandas

NumPy

Matplotlib

LLM fine-tuning

Knowledge Graphs

Pinecone

Milvus

Weaviate

SQL/NoSQL

Docker

Kubernetes

Nvidia Triton

MLflow

Weights & Biases

Azure

Bedrock

GCP

RAG

Multi-Agent AI

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Nvidia Triton

MLflow

Weights & Biases

Pinecone

Milvus

Weaviate

SQL/NoSQL databases

Azure

Bedrock

GCP

Job description

BDO is a firm built on a foundation of positive relationships with our people and our clients. Each day, our professionals provide exceptional service, helping clients with advice and insight they can trust. In turn, we offer an award-winning environment that fosters a people‑first culture with a high priority on your personal and professional growth.

Your Opportunity

We are looking for an exceptionally skilled, hands‑on, and innovation‑minded AI Scientist & Engineer to bridge the gap between advanced data science, experimental machine learning, and scalable enterprise software engineering in our new Assurance Innovation Lab.

The Assurance Innovation Lab (ASR Labs) serves as the experimentation, innovation, and solution development engine supporting our practice. Working alongside other functions nationally — including our Innovation Operations, AI Studio – Central Lab, Central Data Team, and Innovation & Change (I&C) — you will help ideate, design, prototype, develop, and deliver scalable solutions that modernize how work gets done across our Assurance practice.

In this net new role you will work with a team dedicated to building modern applications, intelligent workflow solutions, integrations, and AI‑enabled platforms that support business transformation and operational modernization initiatives across our practice. You will be reporting to our Head of ASR Transformation, and will have a dotted line to our technically astute managers in our AI Studio – Central Lab.

This hybrid role is responsible for extracting high‑value insights from complex datasets, training custom large language models (LLMs), and designing, building, and deploying production‑grade agentic workflows and retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) solutions. Operating under enterprise governance frameworks like ISO/IEC 42001 and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF), you will deliver responsible, scalable, and highly impactful AI systems that drive true business transformation.

The ideal candidate for this role will have 3–5 years of hands‑on experience building, fine‑tuning, deploying, and monitoring machine learning models and Generative AI solutions in an enterprise production environment. This role rests on the ability to work cross‑functionally with AI Architects, AI Studio Leads, ML Engineers, Data Scientists, Full Stack Developers, and citizen developers on firm‑wide strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

AI, Machine Learning & Advanced Analytics

• Design, build, train, and optimize machine learning and AI models to support Assurance transformation initiatives
• Develop intelligent solutions leveraging NLP, generative AI, knowledge graphs, predictive analytics, and automation capabilities
• Support experimentation and prototyping of emerging AI technologies and use cases within Assurance
• Evaluate model performance, explainability, reliability, and responsible AI considerations
• Contribute to the development of scalable AI‑enabled workflows and intelligent operational solutions

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Business Partnership

• Partner closely with Transformation Relationship Managers (TRMs), Assurance practitioners, Innovation & Change (I&C), Data & Analytics, and leadership teams
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams focused on solving business problems through technology, AI, automation, and workflow redesign
• Support rapid experimentation, prototyping, and scaling of innovative solutions within the Assurance R&D Lab
• Help bridge strategy, business operations, and technical execution to accelerate transformation outcomes
• Translate complex business problems into practical analytical and AI‑driven solutions
• Participate in discovery sessions, design thinking workshops, ideation activities, and working groups

Data Engineering & Platform Enablement

• Collect, clean, transform, and analyze large and complex datasets from multiple sources
• Build and maintain scalable data pipelines and model integration frameworks
• Support connected data and intelligence capabilities aligned to the broader Total Assurance Ecosystem strategy
• Work with cloud‑based environments and modern AI infrastructure to support scalable deployment and operationalization
• Collaborate with engineering teams to productionize and operationalize solutions

Innovation & R&D Collaboration

• Work closely with the Assurance R&D Lab to validate concepts, prototype solutions, and scale successful initiatives
• Stay informed on emerging trends across AI, automation, Assurance technology, data science, and intelligent systems
• Help evaluate external tools, platforms, and ecosystem opportunities relevant to Assurance Transformation
• Contribute to a culture of experimentation, innovation, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Programming Languages: Expert‑level Python is required. Professional proficiency in R, Scala, Java, or TypeScript is highly desirable
• AI & LLM Frameworks: Deep experience with OpenAI API, Anthropic, Hugging Face, LangChain, LlamaIndex, and LangGraph
• Data Science & Deep Learning: Comprehensive experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit‑Learn, Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib
• Model Training: Practical knowledge of training and fine‑tuning open‑source LLMs/transformers (e.g., Llama, Mistral) and implementing Knowledge Graphs
• Data & Vector Infrastructure: Hands‑on experience with Pinecone, Milvus, Weaviate, and standard SQL/NoSQL databases
• DevOps / MLOps: Advanced proficiency with Docker, Kubernetes, Nvidia Triton Inference Server, and MLOps tracking platforms (MLflow, Weights & Biases)
• Cloud Platforms: Strong working knowledge of enterprise cloud environments including Microsoft Azure (Azure AI / AI Foundry), AWS (Bedrock), or GCP
• Architecture & Patterns: Demonstrated mastery of Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and multi‑Agent AI design patterns

The expected range of compensation for this role is $110,000 to $160,000 annually.

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A systematic approach to problem‑solving and devising practical solutions for complex enterprise bottlenecks
• Published academic research in top‑tier ML/AI conferences/journals OR demonstrated practical excellence through Kaggle competitions
• High passion for translating complex data and multi‑agent system capabilities into tangible, actionable business value
• Strong business curiosity and problem‑solving mindset
• Passion for applying AI and data science to practical operational challenges
• Ability to balance experimentation with scalable execution
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
• Interest in workflow modernization, intelligent automation, and future‑state operating models
• Passion for continuous learning and emerging technologies

Why Join the Assurance Innovation Lab?

This is an opportunity to help build the future of Assurance through modern platforms, intelligent workflows, and scalable AI‑enabled solutions.

You will join a high‑performing team to work on high‑impact transformation initiatives that directly influence how the business operates and delivers value.

The role offers exposure to:

• Enterprise transformation and innovation programs
• AI‑enabled applications and intelligent workflow solutions
• Modern cloud and engineering ecosystems
• Cross‑functional collaboration with Assurance, AI‑Studio, Data & Analytics, Innovation & Change, and leadership teams
• Rapid experimentation and enterprise‑scale delivery initiatives
• Most importantly, you will help create practical solutions that improve how work gets done across our Assurance practice

Why BDO?

Our people‑first approach to talent has earned us a spot among Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2026. This recognition is a milestone we’re thrilled to add to our collection of awards for both experienced and student talent experiences.

At BDO, our people experience is guided by three core pillars — Do work with genuine care, Do what matters with purpose, and Do what’s next — shaping how we support our people, serve our clients, and grow together.

Total Rewards that Matter

We provide comprehensive benefits from day one, a flexible personal time off policy, and reimbursement for wellness initiatives that fit your lifestyle.

Everyone Counts

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can participate fully, contribute meaningfully and succeed without barriers. Our commitment to inclusion and accessibility extends throughout the application process.

Flexibility

All BDO personnel are expected to spend some of their time working in the office, at the client site, and virtually unless accommodations or alternative work arrangements are in place.

Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct sets clear standards for how we conduct business, reflecting shared values, guiding principles, and ethical decision‑making.

BDO may use artificial intelligence enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process. While these tools assist our teams, our use of AI does not replace human decision‑making, and all employment‑related outcomes are made by BDO personnel.

Ready to make your mark at BDO?

Click “Apply now” to send your up‑to‑date resume to one of our Talent Acquisition Specialists.