Principal AI Developer

Bentley Systems; Quebec; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global software leader in Canada is seeking a Lead/Principal AI Developer to build a new AI Code Modernization team. This pivotal role involves designing and refining AI-driven pipelines to modernize codebases, enhancing performance and security while transitioning systems to cloud-native architectures. The ideal candidate possesses proven leadership in AI and software development teams, strong problem-solving skills, and expertise in legacy and modern programming languages. The position emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and mentorship within a diverse team.

Benefits

Attractive salary and benefits package

Commitment to inclusion and well-being

Colleague Recognition Awards

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading AI or software development teams.
• Deep passion for AI, coding, and technical innovation.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement advanced AI workflows for code conversion.
• Guide development of automation and testing frameworks.
• Evaluate and adopt the latest AI methodologies.

Skills

AI leadership

Software development

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Legacy languages (C, Fortran)

Modern languages (Rust, .NET, TypeScript)

Cloud technologies

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Azure

GCP

Job description

Lead/Principal AI Developer

Location: Québec, Canada (Hybrid)

Position Summary

We’re building a new AI Code Modernization team focused on transforming large-scale, legacy software systems using state-of-the-art AI automation. This role blends deep technical experimentation with hands-on impact: you’ll design, test, and refine AI-driven pipelines that modernize codebases across languages, improve performance and security, and automatically move systems toward cloud-native architectures.

Unlike traditional software engineering or long-horizon research, this role operates at the intersection of applied AI, systems engineering, and large-scale code transformation. You’ll work with advanced AI agents and transformation frameworks to deliver real, production-grade results today—not in five years. A scientific, curious mindset is key, alongside the ability to iterate quickly, validate outcomes, and shape emerging best practices in a rapidly evolving space.

At Bentley, this work has purpose: our technologies power real-world infrastructure—roads, bridges, utilities, transportation systems—and this team will help modernize those systems to make global infrastructure more resilient, sustainable, and capable of meeting future demands.

Why This Leadership Role Stands Out

• Set the Vision: Define and drive the AI strategy for a global software leader. You’ll have the autonomy to shape workflows, select technologies, and set the standard for AI excellence.
• Inspire and Mentor: Lead a diverse, international team of talented developers. Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation—your guidance will empower others to reach their full potential.
• Innovate at Scale: Oversee the transformation of academic and legacy code into modern, cloud-native solutions using cutting-edge AI tools and multi-stage agentic workflows.
• Champion Best Practices: Establish and evangelize best practices for AI development, code modernization, and automation across the company.
• Collaborate Globally: Work closely with the CTO and cross-functional leaders to operationalize the AI vision and support hundreds of products spanning desktop, mobile, server, and cloud microservices.

What You’ll Lead

• Architect and implement advanced AI workflows for code conversion and modernization
• Guide the development of robust automation and testing frameworks
• Continuously evaluate and adopt the latest AI technologies and methodologies
• Set quality standards and oversee manual interventions for complex code challenges
• Balance speed, cost, and quality—making strategic decisions to optimize outcomes
• Develop and deliver training, mentorship, and educational resources for developers company-wide

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading AI or software development teams
• Deep passion for AI, coding, and technical innovation
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Expertise in both legacy (e.g., C, Fortran) and modern languages (e.g., Rust, .NET, TypeScript)
• Experience with cloud technologies and modern development practices
• Ability to communicate vision, inspire teams, and drive results

Bonus Points For

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Knowledge of web technologies, Azure, GCP, AppSec, or cloud security
• Familiarity with containerization (Kubernetes, Docker, Istio)

What We Offer

• A great Team and culture – please see our colleague video.
• An exciting career as an integral part of a world-leading software company providing solutions for architecture, engineering, and construction - watch this short documentary about how we got our start.
• An attractive salary and benefits package.
• A commitment to inclusion, belonging, and colleague well-being through global initiatives and resource groups.
• A company committed to making a real difference by advancing the world’s infrastructure for a better quality of life, where your contributions help build a more sustainable, connected, and resilient world. Discover our latest user success stories for an insight into our global impact.
• Colleague Recognition Awards.

About Bentley Systems

Around the world, infrastructure professionals rely on software from Bentley Systems to help them design, build, and operate better and more resilient infrastructure for transportation, water, energy, cities, and more. Founded in 1984 by engineers for engineers, Bentley is the partner of choice for engineering firms and owner-operators worldwide, with software that spans engineering disciplines, industry sectors, and all phases of the infrastructure lifecycle. Through our digital twin solutions, we help infrastructure professionals unlock the value of their data to transform project delivery and asset performance. www.bentley.com

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Bentley is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, religion/belief, national origin, caste, age, or any other characteristic protected by local law or unrelated to job qualifications.

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