AI Specialist – Entry Level Sales Program 2026

IBM Computing; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech company in Canada is seeking an AI Specialist to develop and deploy AI solutions using the watsonx platform. In this role, you'll collaborate with clients to create tailored solutions and optimize AI performance. A successful candidate should have a background in Computer Science, programming proficiency in languages like Python, and strong problem-solving skills. This position offers opportunities for innovation and growth within a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Confidence to engage potential new customers.
• Strong motivation to achieve sales and high client satisfaction.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems effectively.
• Embrace curiosity and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop pilots to validate proposed AI solutions.
• Continuously optimize AI solutions for efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure successful delivery of AI projects.
• Stay informed on the latest trends in AI and relevant technologies.

Skills

Analytic skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Curiosity

Education

B.S./M.S. in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Python

R

Java

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Introduction

Technology sales at IBM is evolving its way of working to break beyond boundaries with innovative approaches. Preferring to ‘show’ vs. ‘tell’, Client Engineering co-creates with clients, in real-time, on solutions to solve their hardest business challenges.

As an AI Specialist within our Client Engineering team, you'll harness your unique skills and perspectives to engage in the development and deployment of AI systems using our watsonx platform for pilots that lead to deployment of enterprise‑scale solutions at start‑up speed.

In a world where technology moves at speed, it's essential that we stay ahead of the curve to provide tailored solutions that meet our clients' needs. It's not enough for us to have the technical expertise. We need to be great with people, too. To empathize. To understand. To collaborate on technical solutions that will improve lives all over the world.

Excellent onboarding training will set you up for success, whilst ongoing development will continue to advance your career through its upward trajectory. Our sales environment is fast‑paced and supportive. Always part of a team, you'll be surrounded by leaders and colleagues who are always willing to help and be helped - as you support pilots that compel clients to invest in IBM's products and services.

Your role and responsibilities

An AI Specialist at IBM is not just a job title - it's a mindset. You'll leverage the watsonx platform to co‑create AI value with clients, focusing on technology patterns to enhance repeatability and delight clients.

Success is our passion, and your accomplishments will reflect this, driving your career forward, propelling your team to success, and helping our clients to thrive.

Your primary responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Pre and Post Sales Pilots: Develop pilots to validate and highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed AI solutions. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement and iterate on pilots, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and expectations while adhering to best practices and quality standards.
• Solution Optimization and Performance: Continuously monitor and optimize the performance of AI solutions, including foundation models and large language models. Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and speed through fine‑tuning, algorithmic improvements, or infrastructure optimization to meet performance requirements.
• Collaboration and Project Management: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including AI engineers, platforms engineers, and members of the sales team, to ensure smooth execution and successful delivery of AI solutions. Effectively communicate project progress, risks, and dependencies to stakeholders.
• Industry Trends and Innovation: Stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in AI, foundation models, and large language models. Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and frameworks to assess their potential impact on solution design and implementation.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Confidence to contact and engage potential new customers and deliver an elevated experience.
• Motivation to achieve sales, business objectives and high client satisfaction.
• Strong analytic, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills combined with an agile process.
• Embrace curiosity and a growth mindset.

Readiness to travel up to 50% annually.

Required technical and professional expertise

• Technical Education: B.S./M.S. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Math, Statistics, Engineering or equivalent technical degree/experience.
• Programming: Working knowledge in Python, R, Java or language in similar discipline.
• Tech Savvy: Conversant about AI technology, latest industry trends and how it is being applied to address business challenges.
• Team Player: Demonstrates team collaboration and can navigate different communication styles.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Possess verbal, written, and interpersonal skills that are engaging, compelling and influential.
• Self‑Starter: Motivated to work with clients and can lead projects independently.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Knowledge of AI frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras or Hugging Face.
• Experience with LLM and foundational models.
• Understanding in the usage of libraries such as SciKit Learn, Pandas, Matplotlib, etc.
• Familiarity with open source technology, automation and legacy coding (Cobol, C, Assembler) is a plus.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.