Royal Bank of Canada

Lead AI/ML Software Engineer

Royal Bank of Canada$120K — $150K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science or Machine Learning, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years experience in deploying Machine Learning models to solve real business problems.
  • Advanced proficiency in Python and other programming languages for production-grade code.
  • Expert knowledge of large language models and deployment frameworks.
  • In-depth understanding of retrieval-augmented generation systems, embeddings, and vector databases.

Responsibilities

  • Design and build ML models for Agentic Commerce solutions.
  • Lead end-to-end development of Personal Banking's ML products from ideation to deployment.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders for seamless AI solution delivery and integration.
  • Architect robust and scalable ML systems using best software engineering practices.
  • Document technical decisions and support team understanding for knowledge transfer.

Benefits

  • Make a meaningful impact in the community.
  • Collaborate within a dynamic and progressive team.
  • Engage in challenging and diverse work.
  • Access ongoing training and professional development.
  • Contribute to innovative, outside-in thinking at RBC.
Full Job Description
Lead AI/ML Software Engineer

Job Description

We're looking a Lead AI/ML Software Engineer to drive innovation at the intersection of AI / Machine Learning and financial services. In this role, you'll own end-to-end AI solution delivery - from data preprocessing and exploration through ML algorithm development, pipeline scaling, and production system deployment and monitoring. You'll join SA&I's team of technologists reimagining the future of the Personal Bank at RBC.

What will you do?
  • Design and build cutting-edge ML models in support of Agentic Commerce solutions.
  • Lead the development of Personal Banking's machine learning products across the full lifecycle - from ideation and proof-of-concept through development, deployment, and production monitoring.
  • Collaborate with product and stakeholders to ensure the seamless delivery and integration of AI solutions.
  • Apply software engineering and ML best practices architect robust, scalable machine learning systems.
  • Provide comprehensive documentation and articulate design decisions and technical rationale to support team understanding and knowledge transfer.
  • Stay current with emerging AI/ML technologies, mentor team members, and champion a culture of innovation and continuous learning.


What do you need to succeed?

Must have:
  • PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams (business, engineering, model risk management).
  • Five (5) or more years building and deploying Machine Learning models in production for real business problems.
  • Advanced proficiency in Python (preferred) and/or other programming languages, with demonstrated ability to write production-grade code and documentation.
  • Advanced proficiency with large language model architectures, including inference (Tensorflow or Pytorch), fine-tuning, and model deployment.
  • Strong understanding and work experience with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, agentic systems, orchestration frameworks, context and memory management, and tool/skills integration patterns.
  • In-depth knowledge of embeddings, re-rankers, and vector databases.
  • Expertise in ML experimentation, model evaluation, and production observability.
  • Proven experience building and deploying RESTful APIs for ML model serving (FastAPI, Flask).
  • Demonstrated proficiency with MLOps practices, including model serving, monitoring, CI/CD pipelines for ML systems, and containerized workload deployment (OpenShift Container Platform / OCP4 or Kubernetes)
  • Proficiency with AI-assisted software development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Windsurf AI, Anthropic Claude Code).


Nice-to-have:
  • Experience with Small Language Models (SLMs) for on-device inference, domain specialization through fine-tuning, or Reinforcement Learning applications.
  • Track record of adopting and leveraging AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity, automate routine tasks, and drive efficiency.
  • Demonstrates curiosity about emerging AI capabilities and a thoughtful approach to applying them for enhanced client outcomes.
  • Experience in managing, mentoring, or coaching team members and empowering junior engineers to grow and succeed.


What's in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.
  • Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
  • Opportunities to do challenging work
  • Consistent access to training, education and professional development opportunities
  • Be a part of a collaborative team that brings outside-in thinking to RBC


Job Skills
Big Data Management, Data Mining, Data Science, Deep Learning, Machine Learning (ML), Predictive Analytics, Programming Languages

Additional Job Details

Address:

RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL BANKING

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-06-29

Application Deadline:

2026-07-20
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

About Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada Careers

Join the dynamic team at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a global leader in financial services and a company committed to excellence and innovation. At RBC, we offer a wide range of job opportunities that empower professionals to shape their career paths with leadership, diversity training, and continuous growth.

Work You’ll Do

At Royal Bank of Canada, we are not just hiring; we are building a culture of innovation and leadership. Our team members are at the forefront of the financial industry, driving transformation and delivering targeted solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Employment at RBC

Whether you are starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, RBC offers positions that challenge your skills and fuel your ambition. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our job opportunities span across various functions and regions. Join us and be part of a team that values professional growth and diversity.

Internship and Professional Development

Kickstart your career with an internship at Royal Bank of Canada. Our internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and insights into the financial services industry. Interns at RBC gain the skills necessary to excel and are often considered for full-time positions within the company.

Benefits and Culture

At RBC, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members at every stage of their life and career. RBC’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Career Growth and Innovation

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through continuous learning and career development programs. At RBC, you will find endless opportunities to grow professionally through on-the-job experiences, formal training programs, and leadership development initiatives. Our commitment to innovation means we are constantly seeking out new ideas and perspectives, making RBC a perfect place for those who aim to lead and innovate.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is our strength. At Royal Bank of Canada, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. Our diversity training programs are designed to educate and inspire, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Start your journey with RBC today and be part of a world-class team known for its commitment to client service, community involvement, and innovation.

Stay Connected

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities awaiting you at RBC. Explore the possibilities with Royal Bank of Canada, where your future is filled with potential and the path to success is paved with countless opportunities for professional and personal growth. Join us and shape not just your career but the future of the financial industry.
Learn more about Royal Bank of Canada
Size
86,007 employees
Market Cap
$130.3 billion
Industry
5 Year Trend
+8.7%
NASDAQ

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