Principal Engineer

RBC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Toronto is seeking a Principal Engineer to support modernization efforts for quantitative investment platforms. This hands-on role requires strong expertise in cloud technologies and data engineering, aiming to improve research capabilities through the development of scalable analytics and machine learning pipelines. Candidates should demonstrate experience collaborating with quantitative analysts and applying AI/ML tools in investment management. A comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Program

Competitive compensation

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Strong technical background with expertise in cloud platforms.
• Excellent ability to work with quantitative researchers.
• Proven track record of applying AI/ML tools to solve business problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of scalable data and machine learning pipelines.
• Partner with Quantitative Investment and Research teams.
• Drive change management by developing training programs.

Skills

Cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, Databricks)

Data engineering

Python

SQL

Machine learning

Quantitative research workflows

Education

Relevant degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, Finance

Advanced technical certifications in cloud technologies

Tools

Bloomberg APIs

MatLab

Spark

Job description

Job Description

RBC Global Asset Management (GAM) is seeking a Principal Engineer to support the modernization of our quantitative investment platforms. This role is crucial in developing a modern, cloud‑native data architecture to enhance our research capabilities. As a hands‑on engineering leader, you will enable machine learning, scalable analytics, and data processing, supporting faster time to insight for our quantitative investment team.

Working at the intersection of quantitative investment research and technology innovation, this role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with exceptional technologists, researchers, and investment professionals.

What will you do?

• Lead the design and implementation of scalable data, analytics, and machine learning pipelines. Support the transition of analytical workflows from existing tools to Azure Databricks.
• Partner directly with Quantitative Investment and Research teams to enable alpha research, portfolio engineering, and machine learning at scale.
• Drive change management efforts by developing training programs, creating comprehensive documentation, and facilitating the smooth adoption of new analytical workflows.
• Construct robust data processing pipelines capable of handling large‑scale financial datasets with improved performance, reliability, and analytical flexibility.
• Define and implement best practices for an integrated, modern data platform, ensuring data quality, security, and compliance with enterprise and regulatory requirements.

What do you need to succeed?

Must have

• Strong technical background with expertise in cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, Databricks), data engineering, data modelling, and modern analytics tools essential for building scalable research infrastructure.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, Spark, and other big data technologies necessary for supporting advanced quantitative research workflows.
• Excellent ability to work effectively with quantitative researchers, translating business requirements into technical solutions while building consensus across teams.
• Experience with machine learning and AI applications, preferably with investment management, particularly in developing and deploying quantitative investment models.
• Proven track record of applying AI/ML tools to solve high‑impact business problems, with quantified business results.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with the investment industry, particularly in asset management and quantitative investing.
• Knowledge of MatLab, Bloomberg APIs, or similar tools commonly used in quantitative research environments.
• Advanced technical certifications in cloud technologies (Azure, Databricks, Snowflake) or relevant degrees in quantitative fields (Computer Science, Mathematics, Finance).
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and risk management frameworks in investment management, including experience with data governance and compliance.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration experience with product managers, security, compliance, privacy, legal, DevOps, and other teams, demonstrating excellent written and verbal communication skills to influence both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

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.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high‑performing team.
• Opportunities to do challenging work.
• Opportunities to take on progressively greater accountabilities.
• To be part of a large and growing organization which puts client interests first and has a culture of fairness and accountability.

Job Skills

Analytics, Big Data, Big Data Management, Business Analysis, Business Problems, Cloud Computing, Data Architecture, Database Development, Data Engineering, Data Mining, Data Modeling, Data Warehousing (DW), ETL Processing, Group Problem Solving, Machine Learning (ML), Quality Management, Quantitative Investment, Requirements Analysis, Unstructured Data

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: WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2025-11-10

Application Deadline: 2026-01-02

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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