Manulife Financial Corporation

Applied AI Engineer – GenAI Systems

Manulife Financial Corporation • $94K — $144K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4-7 years in applied data science/machine learning with production delivery
  • Strong command of Python and SQL, applying software engineering best practices
  • Experience with modern data science/ML tooling (e.g., scikit-learn, PyTorch)
  • Proficiency in designing clear solution architectures and technical documentation
  • Hands-on experience with GenAI solutions and evaluation techniques
  • Knowledge of production readiness for monitoring data quality and genAI performance
  • Effective communication skills for collaboration and technical explanations

Responsibilities

  • Own the design of end-to-end solutions involving GenAI and ML
  • Translate business problems into a clear solution approach with user and data workflows
  • Create artifacts for easy governance and build processes
  • Develop robust ML and GenAI models for Finance & Actuarial use cases
  • Implement evaluation metrics, backtesting, and quality tests for solutions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to operationalize models
  • Document governance requirements and pipeline processes

Benefits

  • Flexible environment supporting well-being and inclusion
  • Opportunities for career growth and ongoing learning
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including mental health support
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick days
  • Retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions
  • Employee assistance programs and financial education resources
Full Job Description
We’re hiring two Applied AI Engineers with strong modeling skills, solution development experience, and a product outlook. They will build AI and GenAI capabilities that integrate into real business workflows. These solutions must be reliable for engineers to implement, easy for collaborators to understand and use, and clear for governance teams to review with evidence, testing, and controls. If you enjoy turning ambiguous business problems into clear system designs, strong evaluations, and reliable production outcomes, this role is for you! Position Responsibilities: Own end-to-end solution design (GenAI + ML) • Translate business problems into a clear solution approach: user workflow, data flow, model approach, evaluation plan, and operational controls. • Create lightweight, high-quality design artifacts (e.g., system context, runtime sequence, agent/tool map, data lineage, decision log) that make build and governance straightforward. • Make smart design trade-offs: accuracy vs explainability, cost vs performance, speed vs robustness. Build strong models and GenAI components for Finance & Actuarial use cases • Develop ML solutions such as forecasting, classification, NLP, optimization, anomaly detection, and scenario analysis. • Build GenAI capabilities such as retrieval-based solutions (RAG), structured summarization, transaction understanding, variance explanations, and tool-using workflows (where applicable). • Engineer features from structured + unstructured data and ensure solutions remain stable as data evolves. Set a high bar for evaluation and evidence • Define performance expectations with collaborators and implement backtesting / out-of-time testing and error analysis. • For GenAI, design practical evaluation: scenario coverage, edge cases, human review rubrics, quality scoring, and regression testing. • Document model limitations clearly and build guardrails for safe use. Partner closely to productionize and operate solutions • Collaborate with Data Engineering, ML Engineering, and Software teams to productionize: data pipelines, model packaging, CI/CD, deployment, and monitoring. • Implement monitoring for data quality, drift, performance deterioration, and operational failures; define remediation actions when thresholds breach. • Contribute to runbooks and support adoption and UAT with business users. Work in a governed environment • Produce the documentation and evidence required for model risk review (assumptions, validation results, monitoring plan, UAT evidence, and approvals). • Ensure privacy/security expectations are met through data minimization, appropriate access controls, and safe handling of sensitive information. Raise team capability • Mentor junior scientists through design reviews, code reviews, and evaluation practices. • Help standardize “how we build” (templates, checklists, examples) so delivery becomes faster and more consistent. Required Qualifications: • 4–7 years of experience in applied data science / machine learning, with demonstrated end-to-end delivery into production (beyond notebooks), including support for UAT and post-launch iteration. • Strong Python + SQL, with solid software engineering practices: Git-based workflows, code reviews, unit/integration testing, logging, readable code structure, and basic performance tuning. • Hands-on experience with modern DS/ML tooling (e.g., scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow, Spark/Databricks or similar), including feature engineering and model development at scale. • Demonstrated ability to build and communicate solution architecture. Create clear diagrams and concise specs that include data flow, runtime flow, interfaces, failure modes, and operational controls. Align collaborators on trade-offs and scope. • Experience building and evaluating GenAI solutions, including at least one of: RAG, structured summarization/extraction, classification with LLMs, tool/function calling, or agentic workflows (multi-step orchestration with tools/data stores). • Strong evaluation skills across ML and GenAI: backtesting/holdouts, metric selection, error analysis, and quality evaluation frameworks for GenAI (scenario coverage, edge cases, human review rubrics, regression tests). • Understanding of production readiness: monitoring for data quality and drift, performance deterioration, cost/latency considerations for GenAI, and practical remediation approaches. • Strong communication and collaborator management: ability to explain outputs, limitations, uncertainty, and build decisions in plain language and drive adoption in business workflows. Preferred / Nice to have: • Hands-on GenAI experience across multiple patterns: RAG, prompt orchestration, structured outputs, tool/function calling, agentic workflows (multi-step reasoning with tools), and practical evaluation approaches. • Experience designing GenAI systems beyond the model: retrieval design, grounding strategies, prompt/version management, caching, and cost/latency trade-offs. • Experience with cloud-based data/ML stacks and production patterns: model registry, CI/CD, monitoring, APIs/microservices, and automation for retraining or refresh cycles. • Familiarity with modern GenAI engineering components such as vector databases, embedding strategies, semantic search, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., Semantic Kernel / LangChain-style frameworks). • Experience working in Finance, Treasury, Insurance, IFRS-17, or Actuarial environments and/or within model governance practices (documentation, validation evidence, monitoring plans). • Experience implementing GenAI guardrails: hallucination/accuracy controls, safe output formatting, data minimization, access controls, and human review workflows. • Strong solution design influence: ability to mentor peers through design reviews, code reviews, and evaluation practices (without formal people leadership). When you join our team: • We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. • We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. • As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see. #LI-Hybrid The role being advertised is an existing vacancy. Referenced Salary Location Toronto, Ontario Working Arrangement Hybrid Salary range is expected to be between $94,430.00 CAD - $144,430.00 CAD Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact for the salary range for your location. Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.

About Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock's core retail products in the U.S. focus on providing financial solutions at every stage of our clients' lives. Our product suite includes life insurance, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care (LTC) insurance, and annuities. We distribute our products primarily through licensed financial advisors, and through John Hancock Financial Network, a national network of independent firms.

Manulife Financial Corporation Careers

Join the dynamic team at Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading global financial services group dedicated to helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With a presence in more than 20 countries, Manulife offers a diverse range of job opportunities that empower professional growth and innovation in the financial sector. Work You’ll Do At Manulife, every position contributes to our inclusive culture of diversity, leadership, and innovation. We are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and has the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a company that values your skills and passion. Explore a Wealth of Opportunities Whether you're seeking your first internship or a seasoned professional aiming to advance your career, Manulife offers a spectrum of career paths ranging from finance and marketing to technology and customer service. Our job opportunities are designed to enhance your skills through robust training programs and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Innovate with Us Drive transformation in the financial services industry with Manulife’s commitment to technology and innovation. Work alongside over 34,000 professionals globally, leveraging cutting-edge tools and processes that redefine how financial services are delivered. Be Part of a Great Team Manulife’s team-oriented approach ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Collaborate with talented professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop solutions that improve the lives of our customers. Enjoy the benefits of a global company that supports your ambitions with resources and opportunities to lead and innovate. Future-Proof Your Career Manulife supports your career journey with continuous learning and development opportunities. From leadership training to networking events, we provide the tools to succeed and the platforms to showcase your achievements. Our commitment to career growth ensures that your journey with us will be rewarding and impactful. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the range of job opportunities at Manulife by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Manulife is dedicated to providing you with the resources to thrive in your career. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to receive job alerts and insider information tailored to your preferences. Learn about exciting and rewarding opportunities as they arise and how you can be a part of our transformative team. Join Manulife Financial Corporation today and be part of a leading company where your career is as rewarding as it is impactful. Explore how far your talents can take you in an environment built on respect, integrity, and a desire to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and our team.
Learn more about Manulife Financial Corporation
Size
38,000 employees
Market Cap
$33.4 billion
Industry
Founded
1887
5 Year Trend
+1%
NASDAQ

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