Sr. Applied AI Scientist – Generative AI & Agentic Systems

BMO; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Accident and life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

BMO Financial Group is seeking a Sr. Applied AI Scientist in Toronto to lead validation of Generative AI models and Agentic AI systems within Model Risk Management. You will design, develop, and validate enterprise AI solutions, using LLMs, RAG, and AI agents, while aligning with governance and audit requirements.

The role demands deep AI expertise, hands-on delivery, and the ability to drive complex AI initiatives from concept through implementation and validation in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a STEM field relevant to AI/ML.
• 5+ years of industry experience in AI/ML including Generative AI in production.
• PhD is a plus.
• Strong programming skills and ability to build scalable applications.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices (Git, testing, code reviews).
• Experience with LLMs, Generative AI, RAG, AI agents or related tech.

Responsibilities

• Lead validation of Generative AI models and Agentic AI systems across dimensions (soundness, output, robustness, governance).
• Lead R&D of methods and standards for validating Generative AI technologies.
• Architect and build enterprise AI apps using LLMs, RAG, AI agents, and workflow automation.
• Develop scalable AI tools and automation using modern frameworks and cloud tech.
• Collaborate with business, risk, and governance to define problems and translate to AI solutions.
• Design and document quantitative testing and evaluation of AI models and apps; guide teams.
• Maintain project documentation and artifacts to support governance and audit readiness.
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies to improve solutions.

Skills

Generative AI

LLMs

RAG

Cloud platforms

Software engineering

Testing & validation

Governance & auditing

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science/AI/ML/Software Eng/Data Science

PhD (asset)

Tools

Git

Version control

Cloud AI platforms

AI frameworks

Enterprise AI tools

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Applied AI Scientist with deep industry experience in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and modern software engineering. This role offers an opportunity to lead the design, development, evaluation, and validation of enterprise AI solutions while helping shape industry-leading practices for the governance of Generative AI and Agentic AI systems in a highly regulated environment.

The successful candidate will join the Model Risk Management group and report to the Director, Generative and Agentic AI Model Validation.

This position is well suited for an experienced AI professional who combines strong technical depth, hands-on delivery experience, sound judgment, and the ability to lead complex AI initiatives from concept through implementation and validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the validation of Generative AI models and Agentic AI systems across multiple dimensions, including conceptual soundness, output quality, agentic workflow, robustness, and alignment with governance and audit requirements.
• Lead research and development of new methodologies, testing approaches, and standards for validating emerging Generative AI technologies.
• Architect, design, and build enterprise AI applications that leverage Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, and workflow automation to improve business processes.
• Develop scalable software solutions, AI tools, and automation capabilities using modern AI frameworks and cloud technologies.
• Partner with business, technology, risk, and governance stakeholders to define complex problems and translate them into practical, scalable AI solutions.
• Design, execute, review, and document quantitative testing and evaluation of AI models and applications, and provide technical guidance to project teams.
• Maintain organized project documentation, technical specifications, testing evidence, and validation artifacts to support governance and audit readiness.
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies and identify opportunities to improve existing solutions and validation approaches.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Data Science, or another relevant STEM discipline.
• Minimum five years of industry experience in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including hands-on experience delivering Generative AI solutions in a production or enterprise environment.
• PhD in a relevant discipline is an asset.
• Strong programming skills with the ability to develop scalable, well-structured applications.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices, including Git, version control, testing, and code reviews.
• Understanding of machine learning fundamentals and experience applying quantitative analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated hands-on industry experience with Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, or related technologies.
• Hands-on experience with cloud AI platforms, modern AI development frameworks, or enterprise AI tools is strongly preferred.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt to a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
• Strong analytical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, and a risk and control mindset.
• Inquisitive by nature, willing to challenge assumptions, ask thoughtful questions, and continuously improve existing processes.

Who You Are

We're looking for someone who:

• Applies research and critical thinking to unfamiliar problems, evaluating alternatives and developing well-reasoned solutions.
• Sees beyond the obvious, identifying hidden issues, assumptions, dependencies, and risks that others may overlook.
• Balances analytical depth with practical judgment, focusing effort where it matters most.
• Turns ideas into results, rapidly translating research and technical concepts into working solutions and tangible deliverables.
• Demonstrates advanced coding and technical problem-solving skills in production or enterprise environments.
• Demonstrates deep and current AI expertise, with strong command of emerging technologies, industry developments, and evolving technical terminology.

Salary

$80,000.00 - $175,000.00

Pay Type

Salaried

The 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-Rewards

About Us

At 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.