AI/ML Engineer

The opportunity

Manulife is looking for a skilled Machine Learning Engineer specializing in Generative AI and LLMs to assist in developing AI and Automation solutions for Operations. In this impactful role, you will be part of our automation revolution, helping to transform how we operate and interact with data. While intelligent document processing and analytics will be a key deliverable, your contributions will support the creation of scalable, enterprise-grade AI/ML solutions that enhance efficiency and unlock new possibilities across the organization.

Responsibilities

• AI Solution Design and Implementation: Assist in designing and implementing machine learning models using Generative AI techniques to address complex business challenges, focusing on operational modernization and automation.

• Infrastructure Optimization: Support the deployment of Generative AI models on Azure, utilizing cognitive search and frameworks like LangChain and equivalents to enhance automation capabilities.

• Prompt Engineering and Model Tuning: Learn and apply prompt engineering techniques to guide LLMs toward desired outcomes. Assist in fine-tuning and optimizing models for specific tasks, enhancing automation, operational efficiency, and decision-making processes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities, define project scope, and support the development of AI-driven solutions that streamline operations and reimagine business processes.

• Experimentation and Optimization: Participate in designing and executing A/B tests and experiments using statistical methods to validate and optimize model performance for accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven insights.

• AI Thought Leadership and Mentorship: Engage in best practices in MLOps and LLMOps, including model versioning, reproducibility, monitoring, and explainability. Receive mentorship and contribute to a culture of innovation in automation and AI-driven solutions.

• Stay Informed on AI Innovation: Continuously research and evaluate emerging advancements in AI/ML, LLMs, and cloud technologies. Identify opportunities to integrate these advancements into our solutions, supporting automation, operational modernization, and competitive advantage.

How will you create an impact?

By leading or participating in design reviews, they will ensure that each project increment aligns with the original vision and adheres to best practices. This will result in high-quality, scalable solutions that meet business objectives and enhance overall success of our organization goals

What motivates you?

• You obsess about customers, listen, engage and act for their benefit.

• You think big, with curiosity to discover ways to use your agile approach and enable business outcomes.

• You thrive in teams and enjoy getting things done together.

• You take ownership and build solutions, focusing on what matters.

• You do what is right, work with integrity and speak up.

• You share your humanity, helping us build a diverse and inclusive work environment for everyone.

What we are looking for

• Technical Expertise:

  • LLMs: Hands-on experience with LLMs (e.g., GPT-4o, Llama 3, Gemini, Claude 3) and related tools.

  • Cloud Platforms: Understanding of Azure services, including Azure ML, Azure Cognitive Search, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Functions, and Databricks.

  • Frameworks: Familiarity with frameworks like LangChain, LlamaIndex, CrewAI, Autogen, and evaluation frameworks like RAGAS.

  • Programming: Proficiency in Python and experience with relevant libraries; ability to quickly learn and implement new libraries, frameworks, and methodologies.

  • Databases: Understanding of SQL and NoSQL databases.

  • Vector Databases: Exposure to vector databases such as Pinecone, Faiss, or Weaviate for efficient similarity search in RAG applications.

  • Operational Excellence: Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

  • AI Innovation: Experience in using AI to automate processes and build AI workflows, with a focus on operational efficiency.

  • Communication & Collaboration: Strong stakeholder management, ability to translate technical concepts into business language, and effective presentation skills.

  • Professional Background: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field; ideally 3-4 years of experience in large-scale systems; experience in intelligent document processing is a plus.

Bonus Points:

• Operations Experience: Previous experience in working with Operations, managing high availability and critical systems.

• Full Stack Engineering Exposure: Ability to build proof of concepts/demos including both front-end and back-end development.

• Adaptability: Demonstrated proficiency in quickly picking up new frameworks and libraries.

• Portfolio Showcase: Ability to showcase existing work or a portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and accomplishments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field.

• Experience with microservices architecture and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.

• Knowledge of data privacy and security regulations

What can we offer you?

• A competitive salary and benefits packages.

• A growth trajectory that extends upward and outward, encouraging you to follow your passions and learn new skills.

• A focus on growing your career path with us.

• Flexible work policies and strong work-life balance.

• Professional development and leadership opportunities.

Our commitment to you

• Values-first culture

• We lead with our Values every day and bring them to life together.

• Boundless opportunity

• We create opportunities to learn and grow at every stage of your career.

• Continuous innovation

• We invite you to help redefine the future of financial services.

• Delivering the promise of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• We foster an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.

• Championing Corporate Citizenship

• We build a business that benefits all stakeholders and has a positive social and environmental impact.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.

Waterloo, Ontario

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$75,880.00 CAD - $140,920.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. 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. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

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 recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.