Lead Data and AI Architect

RBC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

RBC is seeking a Lead Data and AI Architect to design and implement the bank's integrated AI and data strategy in collaboration with the AI and Technology Strategy team and IT groups across RBC.

You will define target-state architectures for enterprise AI platforms, develop reusable blueprints, and establish governance for AI, data, and GenAI initiatives, ensuring scalable, compliant solutions across the organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in architecture or platform engineering with AI/ML knowledge.
• Experience in LeanIX App Code management and Athena processes.
• Degree in data engineering, CS, or related field or equivalent.
• Proven experience designing enterprise data and AI platforms.
• Strong knowledge of AWS, Azure, GCP, APIs and GenAI architectures.
• Strong communication to translate technical solutions to business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define target-state architecture for enterprise AI platforms and AI-enabled solutions.
• Develop reusable architecture blueprints via Athena and drive platform evolution.
• Design solution architectures for ML, GenAI, and agentic AI with data patterns.
• Collaborate with engineering to deliver scalable AI infrastructure and data access.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and translate trends into roadmaps.
• Establish governance frameworks for AI and data solutions and perform reviews.

Skills

AI/ML fundamentals

SQL

Python

Java

Cloud technologies

LeanIX App Code

Athena certification

Communication skills

Education

Degree in CS/Data Eng

Tools

LeanIX

Athena

APIs

Job description

What is the opportunity?

As Lead Data and AI Architect, you will collaborate closely with the Director, AI and Technology Strategy, TEO, to design and implement TEO's integrated AI and data strategy. The AI and Technology Strategy team holds primary accountability for driving the adoption and value creation of data and AI across TEO, in partnership with RBC's IT groups, including Global Functions IT, Payment IT, Borealis, and Lumina.

What will you do?

• Define target-state architecture for enterprise AI platforms and AI-enabled business solutions aligned with TEO strategy; establish architecture principles, standards, and reference patterns for AI, GenAI, data, and agentic systems.
• Develop reusable architecture blueprints via Athena process and drive the design and evolution of enterprise AI platforms and shared capabilities supporting TEO's operational needs.
• Design solution architectures supporting machine learning, GenAI, and agentic AI solutions; define patterns for data ingestion, knowledge retrieval, vector stores, APIs, metadata management, and data products.
• Partner with engineering teams to deliver scalable AI infrastructure, orchestration services, model gateways, and data access patterns that enable self-service AI development.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including GenAI, Agentic AI, foundation models, vector databases, and AI engineering tooling; translate trends into actionable architecture roadmaps and strategic recommendations.
• Establish architecture standards, technical guardrails, and governance frameworks for AI and data solutions; support architecture reviews to ensure compliance and operational excellence as part of App Code management in LeanIX.
• Collaborate with RBC's AI teams (Global Functions IT, Payment IT, Borealis, Lumina) and senior executives to ensure consistent, enterprise-wide AI architecture standards and architectural consistency across initiatives.

What do you need to succeed?

Must have:

• 5+ years in architecture, data engineering, AI engineering, or platform engineering with deep understanding of AI/ML fundamentals, frameworks, and programming languages (SQL, Python, Java).
• Working knowledge and experience managing App Code in LeanIX as lead architect or delegate, and Athena certification process.
• Degree in data engineering, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent work experience in software/model development.
• Proven experience designing large-scale enterprise data and AI platforms in complex environments.
• Strong knowledge of cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP), APIs, data platforms, ML platforms, and GenAI architectures.
• Strong communication skills to translate technical solutions and complex architectures into business outcomes.

Nice to have

• Experience in financial shared services, payment and trade, and cash service operations
• Hands-on experience with LLM, AI/ML model development, simulation, and deployment.
• Experience working directly with client or business teams in banking operations industry
• Experience with model lifecycle management, and design thinking
• Prior exposure to RBC enterprise data platforms or financial services.
• Experience of building or leading AI/data science teams.

What’s in it for you?

• 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
• Opportunity to grow, learn and build strong leadership skills
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact for both RBC and the community
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• Opportunities to do challenging work and grow your technical literacy
• Broad exposure and opportunity to collaborate with many teams across the organization

Job Skills

• Applications Architecture, Architectural Modeling, Critical Thinking, Enterprise IT Architecture, Information Technology Consulting, Multi-Level Communication, Platform Architecture, Software Product Design, System Applications, Transitional Architecture

Additional Job Details

Address: 180 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: 2026-07-02

Application Deadline: 2026-08-31

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