AI Scientist & Engineer, Assurance Innovation Lab

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

Job summary

BDO Canada is seeking an AI Scientist & Engineer to bridge advanced data science, experimental ML, and scalable enterprise software in our Assurance Innovation Lab. You will design, train, and deploy AI-enabled workflows and RAG solutions across the practice, collaborating with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work setting.

Responsibilities include building ML models, NLP solutions, and knowledge graphs, plus evaluating model performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Expert-level Python required; proficiency in R, Scala, Java, or TypeScript desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, train, and optimize ML/AI models for Assurance transformation.
• Develop NLP, generative AI, knowledge graphs, predictive analytics, and automation solutions.
• Prototype and scale innovative AI technologies within Assurance R&D Lab.
• Evaluate model performance, explainability, and responsible AI considerations.
• Create scalable AI-enabled workflows and intelligent operational solutions.
• Collaborate with TRMs, Assurance practitioners, I&C, and Data & Analytics teams.
• Bridge strategy, operations, and technical execution to accelerate transformation.
• Translate business problems into practical analytical and AI-driven solutions.

Skills

Python

R

Scala

Java

TypeScript

Tools

OpenAI API

Anthropic

Hugging Face

LangChain

LlamaIndex

LangGraph

Pinecone

Milvus

Weaviate

SQL/NoSQL

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Putting people first, every day

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 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.

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 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.

Our firm is committed to providing an environment where you can be successful in the following ways:

• We enable you to engage with how we change and evolve, being a key contributor to the success and growth of BDO in Canada.
• We help you become a better professional within our services, industries, and markets with extensive opportunities for learning and development.
• We support your achievement of personal goals outside of the office and making an impact on your community.
• We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, and you can do your best work with genuine care and purpose
• We encourage innovation and forward thinking, empowering you to embrace what’s next and help shape the future of our firm

Giving back adds up:

Where company meets community. BDO is actively involved in our communities by supporting local charity initiatives. We support staff with local and national events where you will be given the opportunity to contribute to your community.

Total rewards that matter:

We pay for performance with competitive total cash compensation that recognizes and rewards your contribution. We provide comprehensive benefits from day one, and a flexible personal time off policy. We’re committed to supporting your overall wellbeing and provide 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. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace defined by respect, fairness, and a true sense of belonging for everyone. We recognize and celebrate the unique experiences, identities, and perspectives that each of us bring – and that these experiences strengthen how we work together. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our application process is both inclusive and accessible. If you require accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us.

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.

Our model is a blended approach designed to support the flexible needs of our people, the firm and our clients. It’s about creating work experiences that meet everyone’s needs and providing flexibility to adjust when, where and how we work to meet the expectations of our role.

Code of Conduct:

Our Code of Conduct sets clear standards for how we conduct business. It reflects our shared values and commitments and includes guiding principles to help us make ethical decisions and maintain trust with each other, our clients, and the public.

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.

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