Developer Lead (AI-Enabled Systems)

Bank of Montreal; Toronto; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

Bank of Montreal is seeking a Senior Full Stack Engineer to design and deliver scalable, enterprise-grade solutions with AI capabilities integrated into our platforms. You will work across frontend, backend, and integration layers, applying LLMs responsibly in a regulated banking environment.

You will own features end-to-end, build robust microservices, and collaborate with product and architecture teams to solve complex domain problems while ensuring security, performance, and compliance.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years in backend or full stack development.
• Proficiency in Java, Node.js, or Python and one frontend framework (React/Angular).
• Strong API development and system design for scale.
• Hands-on experience with large language models (LLMs).
• Knowledge of prompt engineering and evaluation methods.
• Familiarity with RAG concepts, embeddings and vector search.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and support end-to-end apps across frontend, backend, and integrations.
• Develop APIs and services for complex, multi-step workflows.
• Deliver AI-assisted capabilities (document processing, onboarding).
• Implement RAG pipelines with embeddings and vector search.
• Ensure security, resilience, and regulatory compliance in banking.

Skills

Java

Node.js

Python

React

Angular

API development

System design

LLM experience

Prompt engineering

RAG concepts

Tools

LangChain

LangGraph

AWS Bedrock

OpenAI API

Copilot Studio

Azure OpenAI

OpenSearch

Pinecone

Job description

Application Deadline:08/30/2026Address:100 King Street WestJob Family Group:TechnologyRole OverviewWe are looking for a Full Stack Engineer who can design and deliver scalable, enterprise-grade solutions while building AI capabilities directly into our platforms.This role is not limited to a specific tech stack. We are looking for someone who:Understands banking and business workflowsTakes end-to-end ownership of deliveryIs a strong problem solverHas hands-on experience building with large language models and can apply them responsibly in a regulated environmentYou will work across frontend, backend, and integration layers to build reliable systems, while delivering AI-enabled capabilities where they create genuine business value. Candidates are not expected to have a research background in machine learning. We are looking for engineers who have implemented LLM-based functionality, understand its practical limitations, and can build around them. There will be opportunity to develop deeper expertise in areas such as agentic systems, orchestration, and model evaluation, supported by structured learning and meaningful project work.What You'll Work OnBuild and enhance core banking and client onboarding platformsDesign APIs and backend services that support complex, multi-step workflowsDevelop user-facing applications with a strong focus on usability and performanceWork on data-driven systems, integrations, and orchestration layersDeliver AI-assisted capabilities including document processing, intelligent onboarding workflows, search and summarization, and decision supportImplement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) capabilities that make internal policy, product, and client information accessible and actionableContribute to modernization initiatives including API-first design, cloud adoption, and event-driven architectureKey ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and support end-to-end applications across frontend, backend, and integration layersTranslate business requirements into scalable technical solutionsTake ownership of features from design through production and supportCollaborate with product, architecture, and business teams to solve complex domain problemsBuild robust microservices and APIs using Java, Node.js, or PythonDevelop intuitive frontend applications using React or AngularEnsure systems are secure, resilient, and compliant, which is critical in bankingIdentify opportunities to leverage AI development tools to improve delivery efficiencyContribute to continuous improvement of engineering practices covering quality, CI/CD, and observabilityDevelop features using LLM APIs, including prompt design, structured output handling, tool calling, and management of errors and edge casesImplement and optimize RAG pipelines covering chunking strategy, embeddings, vector search, and grounding of responses in source documentsEstablish validation and evaluation practices to assess AI output quality and identify regressions before releaseApply appropriate safety and security controls including input validation, PII handling, prompt injection mitigation, and human-in-the-loop review for material decisionsManage cost and latency considerations associated with model usageCore Technical StackBackend: Java (Spring Boot), Node.js, PythonFrontend: Angular or ReactAI / LLM: LangChain, AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Copilot Studio, OpenAI and Anthropic APIsRetrieval: Vector databases including pgvector, OpenSearch or Pinecone, or ChromaArchitecture: Microservices, APIs, event-driven systemsData: SQL/NoSQL, OracleInfrastructure: AWS/Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, KafkaTools: CI/CD pipelines, observability platformsCandidates are not expected to have experience across the full stack listed. Demonstrated strength in several areas and the ability to learn others is sufficient.Must-Have Skills7-10+ years of experience in backend or full stack developmentProficiency in at least one backend language (Java, Node.js, or Python) and one frontend framework (React or Angular)Strong understanding of system design, API development, and building for scaleExperience delivering production-grade applications end-to-endStrong problem-solving and analytical skillsDemonstrated ownership and accountability for deliveryAbility to work across tech stacks and adapt quicklyStrong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to engage non-technical stakeholdersHands-on experience building applications with large language models, with the ability to discuss design decisions, challenges encountered, and lessons learnedPractical understanding of prompt engineering and methods for evaluating output qualityFamiliarity with RAG concepts including embeddings, vector search, and the relationship between retrieval quality and output qualityNice to HaveExperience in banking or financial services, particularly onboarding, payments, lending, trade, or KYC/AML. Candidates from other regulated or complex domains will also be consideredProduction experience supporting an LLM-based feature serving end usersExposure to agentic AI, including agents capable of planning and tool use, multi-agent workflows, and human-in-the-loop approval patternsExperience with LangChain or LangGraph, AWS Bedrock, or Copilot StudioAwareness of AI security considerations including prompt injection, data leakage, and output validation, with reference to the OWASP LLM Top 10Experience with model evaluation frameworks or LLM observability toolingFamiliarity with search, data retrieval, or analytics platformsExperience with cloud-native or modernization programsUnderstanding of event-driven or streaming architecturesExperience using AI development tools such as Copilot and code assistants within a team settingMindset We're Looking ForThinks beyond code, focusing on business outcomes and user valueOwns problems end-to-end, not just assigned tasksComfortable working in ambiguous problem spacesWilling to challenge existing approaches and think creativelyApplies considered judgement to AI, distinguishing between promising capability and production readinessRisk-aware, recognizing that probabilistic outputs require appropriate controls in a banking contextContinuously learning, including how AI can enhance both products and engineering productivityPragmatic, balancing innovation with real-world delivery, cost, and compliance constraintsSalary :$75,900.00 - $141,900.00Pay Type:SalariedThe above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-RewardsAbout UsAt BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en .BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.