ML/AI Research Engineer

Address:

• Lead the design, training, and scaling of transformer-based foundation models, translating business objectives into production-ready deep learning systems.
• Run rigorous experiments against strong baselines to continuously improve model quality, speed, and reliability.
• Build reusable tools and pipelines that accelerate research iteration across the team.
• Advance the team's research agenda by tracking state-of-the-art research and identifying high-impact opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to evaluate model outputs in downstream applications and measure business impact.
• Develop domain expertise to inform modelling decisions and contribute to broader organizational initiatives.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of applied deep learning experience with end-to-end ownership of complex modelling initiatives.
• Strong proficiency in Python and PyTorch; familiarity with distributed processing frameworks (e.g., PySpark) is an asset.
• Writes clean, modular, well-tested code following software engineering best practices (CI/CD, automated testing, version control, documentation).
• Publications at top-tier venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, TPAMI) are a strong asset.
• Experience working with large structured and unstructured datasets.
• Strong experimental rigor with the ability to deliver reproducible research in ambiguous problem spaces.
• Effective communicator who can prioritize across multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Exemplifies high performance, integrity, and partnership.

Researches, builds, and implements scalable artificial intelligence systems capable of learning and making predictions to business requirements. Enhances data pipelines and lakes to ensure data is clean, accurate, and optimized for machine learning models. Monitors, evaluates, and optimizes learning processes to continuously improve high-performance models. Works with other data and analytics professionals to optimize, refine, automate and scale analysis into repeatable analytics solutions and decision support tools.

• Designs and develops machine learning (ML) and deep learning systems.
• Runs machine learning tests and experiments. Trains and retrain systems to prevent drift and optimize results.
• Solves complex problems with multi-layered data sets, extends existing ML frameworks and optimizes existing machine learning libraries.
• Develops Machine Learning apps, implements algorithms, and builds tools to apply ML frameworks.
• Turns unstructured data into useful information by auto-tagging images and text-to-speech conversions.
• Develops ML algorithms to analyze huge volumes of historical data to make predictions.
• Runs tests, performs statistical analysis, and interprets test results.
• Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine.
• Implements changes in response to shifting trends.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.
• Take measured risks while protecting the bank by applying our Risk Management Framework in the execution of your role, in line with our Risk Culture and within our approved Risk Appetite, making sound and risk informed decisions that align to business strategy, protect assets, and adhere to applicable policy documents (Frameworks, Policies, Standards, Procedures and Supporting documents), laws and regulations.

Qualifications:

Intermediate level of proficiency:

• Systems Thinking.

Advanced level of proficiency:

• Mathematics, Statistics & Operations Research.
• Critical thinking.
• Creative reasoning.
• Computational Thinking and Programming.
• Deep Learning.
• Machine Learning.
• Scaling Models.
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery/Deployment.
• ML algorithm.
• Verbal & written communication skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Influence skills.
• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration.
• Able to manage ambiguity.
• Data driven decision making.
• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience and industry knowledge.

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.