Director and Principal Engineer Data and ML platforms, GFT

ODAIA; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian bank in Toronto is seeking a Data Engineer to lead the design and implementation of scalable data pipelines and ML systems. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in data engineering and leadership, with a strong understanding of modern data tools and languages. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic team environment and contribute to innovative IT solutions that drive business success.

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Program

World-class training program

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in designing and building data-intensive applications.
• 3+ years in an engineering leadership role.
• Strong understanding of ML lifecycle and MLOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and review scalable data pipelines and ML systems.
• Define and promote best practices in data and ML engineering.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop technical solutions.

Skills

Big Data Management

Data Modeling

Data Science

Deep Learning

Machine Learning

Predictive Analytics

Programming Languages

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Python

Java/Scala

Spark

Pyspark

Kafka

SQL

Airflow

AWS

Azure

Job description

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

Global Functions Technology (GFT) is part of RBC’s Technology and Operations division. GFT’s impact is far-reaching as we collaborate with partners from across the company to deliver innovative and transformative IT solutions. Our clients represent Risk, Finance, HR, CAO, Audit, Legal, Compliance, Financial Crime, Capital Markets, Personal and Commercial Banking and Wealth Management. We also lead the development of digital tools and platforms to enhance collaboration.

What will you do?

• Lead by Doing: Design, build, and review scalable data pipelines, analytics platforms, and ML systems. This is a hands‑on role with end‑to‑end ownership, with significant time doing coding.
• Set Technical Direction: Define and promote best practices in data and ML engineering. Evaluate emerging technologies and guide adoption to drive innovation.
• Partner Cross‑Functionally: Work closely with data scientists, business leaders, and IT teams to understand needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Deliver at Scale: Ensure projects are executed with high quality, on time, and aligned with business goals. Proactively identify risks and enforce compliance standards, especially around data governance and security.

What do you need to succeed?

Must Have:

• 10+ years of experience in designing and building data-intensive applications with deep understanding of distributed systems
• 3+ years in engineering leadership role
• Deep expertise in modern data and ML engineering tools and languages (e.g., Python, Java/Scala, Spark, Pyspark, Kafka, SQL, Airflow).
• Strong understanding of the ML lifecycle and MLOps practices, including model deployment, monitoring, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Proven experience in cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, with knowledge of scalable architecture patterns.
• Excellent communication skills—able to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s or PhD preferred.

Nice to Have:

• Hands‑on experience with Snowflake, AWS SageMaker, LLM deployments
• Background in enterprise-level data governance, privacy, and security practices.

What’s in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• A world-class training program in financial services
• Opportunities to do challenging work
• Opportunities to take on progressively greater accountabilities
• Opportunities to building close relationships with clients
• Access to a variety of job opportunities across business and geographies.

Job Skills

Big Data Management, Data Modeling, Data Science, Decision Making, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Programming Languages, Relationship Building

Additional Job Details

• Address: RBC CENTRE, 155 WELLINGTON ST W:TORONTO
• City: Toronto
• Country: Canada
• Work hours/week: 37.5
• Employment Type: Full time
• Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS
• Job Type: Regular
• Pay Type: Salaried
• Posted Date: 2025-12-01
• Application Deadline: 2025-12-22

Note

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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