AI Scientist & Engineer, Assurance Innovation Lab

BDO Canada LLP; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO Canada LLP in Toronto seeks an exceptionally skilled AI Scientist & Engineer to bridge advanced data science, experimental ML, and scalable enterprise software in our Assurance Innovation Lab.

You will train custom LLMs, build agentic workflows and RAG solutions under governance frameworks, collaborating with Transformation Relationship Managers and leadership to translate complex problems into AI-driven business value.

Qualifications

• Expert-level Python; professional proficiency in other languages desirable.
• Deep experience with OpenAI API, Anthropic, Hugging Face, LangChain, LlamaIndex, and LangGraph.
• Comprehensive experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit‑Learn, Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib.
• Practical knowledge of training and fine‑tuning open‑source LLMs/transformers and implementing knowledge graphs.
• Hands‑on experience with vector databases (Pinecone/Milvus/Weaviate) and standard SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Advanced proficiency with Docker, Kubernetes, Nvidia Triton, and MLOps platforms (MLflow, Weights & Biases).
• Strong knowledge of enterprise cloud environments (Azure/AWS/GCP).
• Demonstrated mastery of Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and multi‑Agent AI patterns.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Partner with Transformation Relationship Managers, Assurance practitioners, Innovation & Change, Data & Analytics, and leadership teams.
• Translate complex business problems into practical analytical and AI‑driven solutions.
• Collect, clean, transform, and analyze large datasets, and build scalable data pipelines.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to productionize and operationalize solutions.
• Validate concepts, prototype solutions, and scale initiatives with the Assurance R&D Lab.

Skills

Python

R/Scala/Java/TypeScript

OpenAI API

Hugging Face

LangChain

RAG

PyTorch

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud (Azure/AWS/GCP)

Pinecone

Milvus

Weaviate

SQL/NoSQL

Tools

Pinecone

Milvus

Weaviate

MLflow

Weights & Biases

NVIDIA Triton Inference Server

Azure AI / AI Foundry

AWS Bedrock

GCP

Job description

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. In this role, you will extract high‑value insights, train custom LLMs, design, build, and deploy production‑grade agentic workflows and RAG solutions under enterprise governance frameworks such as ISO/IEC 42001 and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Partner closely with Transformation Relationship Managers, Assurance practitioners, Innovation & Change, Data & Analytics, and leadership teams.
• Translate complex business problems into practical analytical and AI‑driven solutions.
• Collect, clean, transform, and analyze large and complex datasets from multiple sources, and build and maintain scalable data pipelines.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to productionize and operationalize solutions.
• Validate concepts, prototype solutions, and scale successful initiatives in collaboration with the Assurance R&D Lab.

Requirements

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

Compensation

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

Ideal Candidate

• Systematic approach to problem‑solving and 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, problem‑solving mindset, and passion for applying AI and data science to 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; rapid experimentation and enterprise‑scale delivery initiatives; and the chance to create practical solutions that improve how work gets done across our Assurance practice.

EEO Statement

We are committed to ensuring that our application process is both inclusive and accessible. If you require accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us.