Royal Bank of Canada

Lead Data and AI Architect

Royal Bank of Canada$120K — $150K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in architecture, data engineering, AI engineering, or platform engineering with strong understanding of AI/ML fundamentals
  • Experience managing App Code in LeanIX and familiarity with the Athena certification process
  • Degree in data engineering, computer science, or related field, or equivalent work experience
  • Proven track record in designing large-scale enterprise data and AI platforms
  • Strong knowledge of cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and GenAI architectures
  • Excellent communication skills for translating technical solutions into business outcomes.

Responsibilities

  • Define target-state architecture for enterprise AI platforms aligned with TEO strategy
  • Develop reusable architecture blueprints via the Athena process
  • Design solution architectures for machine learning and GenAI solutions
  • Partner with engineering teams to deliver scalable AI infrastructure and model gateways
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and translate trends into actionable architecture roadmaps
  • Establish architecture standards and governance frameworks for AI and data solutions
  • Collaborate with RBC's AI teams to ensure enterprise-wide architectural consistency.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits
  • Supportive leadership for professional development through coaching
  • Opportunities to grow technical and leadership skills
  • Chance to make a meaningful impact on the organization and the community
  • Work in a dynamic and high-performing team environment
  • Engagement in challenging work and improvement of technical literacy
  • Collaboration opportunities across many teams within the organization.
Full Job Description
Job Description

What is the opportunity?

As Lead Data and AI Architect, you will collaborate closely with the Director, AI and Technology Strategy, TEO, to design and implement TEO's integrated AI and data strategy. The AI and Technology Strategy team holds primary accountability for driving the adoption and value creation of data and AI across TEO, in partnership with RBC's IT groups, including Global Functions IT, Payment IT, Borealis, and Lumina.

In this role, you will serve as the architectural authority for TEO's AI platforms, data foundations, reusable AI services, and operations AI enablement capabilities. You will establish scalable, governed data foundations that support enterprise AI readiness across all AI solutions, leveraging deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, metadata management, and emerging AI data patterns.
By working across business, technology, data, and AI teams, you will drive the transformation of AI capabilities into reusable platform services that accelerate adoption, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver measurable business value across TEO and the enterprise.

What will you do?
  • Define target-state architecture for enterprise AI platforms and AI-enabled business solutions aligned with TEO strategy; establish architecture principles, standards, and reference patterns for AI, GenAI, data, and agentic systems.
  • Develop reusable architecture blueprints via Athena process and drive the design and evolution of enterprise AI platforms and shared capabilities supporting TEO's operational needs.
  • Design solution architectures supporting machine learning, GenAI, and agentic AI solutions; define patterns for data ingestion, knowledge retrieval, vector stores, APIs, metadata management, and data products.
  • Partner with engineering teams to deliver scalable AI infrastructure, orchestration services, model gateways, and data access patterns that enable self-service AI development.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies including GenAI, Agentic AI, foundation models, vector databases, and AI engineering tooling; translate trends into actionable architecture roadmaps and strategic recommendations.
  • Establish architecture standards, technical guardrails, and governance frameworks for AI and data solutions; support architecture reviews to ensure compliance and operational excellence as part of App Code management in LeanIX.
  • Collaborate with RBC's AI teams (Global Functions IT, Payment IT, Borealis, Lumina) and senior executives to ensure consistent, enterprise-wide AI architecture standards and architectural consistency across initiatives.


What do you need to succeed?

Must have:
  • 5+ years in architecture, data engineering, AI engineering, or platform engineering with deep understanding of AI/ML fundamentals, frameworks, and programming languages (SQL, Python, Java).
  • Working knowledge and experience managing App Code in LeanIX as lead architect or delegate, and Athena certification process.
  • Degree in data engineering, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent work experience in software/model development.
  • Proven experience designing large-scale enterprise data and AI platforms in complex environments.
  • Strong knowledge of cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP), APIs, data platforms, ML platforms, and GenAI architectures.
  • Strong communication skills to translate technical solutions and complex architectures into business outcomes.


Nice to have
  • Experience in financial shared services, payment and trade, and cash service operations
  • Hands-on experience with LLM, AI/ML model development, simulation, and deployment.
  • Experience working directly with client or business teams in banking operations industry
  • Experience with model lifecycle management, and design thinking
  • Prior exposure to RBC enterprise data platforms or financial services.
  • Experience of building or leading AI/data science teams.


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.
  • 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
  • Opportunity to grow, learn and build strong leadership skills
  • Ability to make a difference and lasting impact for both RBC and the community
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
  • Opportunities to do challenging work and grow your technical literacy
  • Broad exposure and opportunity to collaborate with many teams across the organization


#LI-POST
#TECHPJ

Job Skills
Applications Architecture, Architectural Modeling, Critical Thinking, Enterprise IT Architecture, Information Technology Consulting, Multi-Level Communication, Platform Architecture, Software Product Design, System Applications, Transitional Architecture

Additional Job Details

Address:

180 WELLINGTON ST W:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-07-02

Application Deadline:

2026-07-19
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.

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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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