Job Description

Senior Applied Machine Learning Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Senior Applied Machine Learning Specialist, you will provide technical leadership in designing, building, and scaling applied AI solutions that address real-world use cases and business challenges for Vector sponsors, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other industry partners. You will collaborate closely with leading machine learning and AI researchers to translate state-of-the-art research and technologies into practical industrial applications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide technical leadership for industry programs that enable SMEs, and other industry partners in Vector’s ecosystem, by leading end-to-end use case discovery and refinement to translate business problems into ML-ready use cases defining success metrics, data requirements, and MVP scope to accelerate adoption;
Evaluate and assess company use cases based on AI maturity, data readiness, and business impact;
Interview, select, onboard, and match Technical Associate (TA) candidates with participating companies. Mentor and support TAs, and oversee project progress through regular check-ins and periodic reviews;
Design and deliver training materials that incorporate state-of-the-art AI research, modern ML techniques, and engineering best practices, tailored to the specific use cases presented;
Consult directly with industry partners on immediate technical and strategic challenges through one-on-one engagements;
Support design and development of reference applications and model templates that apply AI research to real-world problems using public and private data sets, providing software for training, testing, operating, and updating models;
Deliver open-source software and models for AI development projects, following an agile methodology with teams that includes Vector Applied ML Specialists, Applied ML Scientists, professional staff, researchers, and industry sponsors;
Report and present software development outcomes for team efforts, including demos, status, and results; and,
Other related duties as assigned from time to time.

KEY SUCCESS MEASURES

Effective facilitation of industry programs leading to successful proof-of-concept delivery by industry partners, with a focus on SMEs;
On-schedule development and delivery of high-quality software and AI models in support of internal and external development stakeholders;
Effective AI knowledge-transfer to internal and external stakeholders through clear communication of software and AI model development progress, demos, and results presentations; and,
Active and constructive participation in diverse and interdisciplinary teams, contributing to a positive team environment.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline; MSc/MEng preferred;
Minimum of four years of industry experience applying machine learning to data science, applied research, or technology product development; experience across multiple industries is considered an asset;
Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead on projects that apply machine learning or AI research to novel problems and real-world datasets;
Experience leading a team of researchers or engineers is an asset;
Strong proficiency in Python;
Demonstrated data engineering experience, particularly working with messy real-world data;
Experience working with one or more leading open-source deep learning software frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace, JAX, CUDA, etc;
Understanding of the broad set of AI and ML tooling ecosystem, including model development, training, evaluation, and deployment;
Experience with distributed systems and cloud-native infrastructure, including tools such as Kafka, Kubernetes, Terraform, Prometheus, Docker, and cloud-managed services (AWS/GCP/Azure) is preferred;
Familiar with every stage of ML lifecycle from problem formulation and data preparation through operational considerations of deployment, monitoring, and iteration;
Experience building end-to-end AI software applications in an industry setting is an asset;
Strong problem-solving abilities, with the ability to translate between technical concepts and business use cases, tailoring communication to diverse stakeholders; and,
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts.

TOTAL REWARDS: The expected salary for this position will be $125,800 – $157,300 per year, plus benefits if applicable. The final salary offer will reflect the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, in alignment with the Vector Institute’s Compensation Policy and may differ from above.

The Vector Institute’s Total Rewards approach extends beyond traditional compensation and benefits. Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of supports that recognize and value employees, including vacation time, floater days, GRRSP, a Health Spending Account, a Summer Hours program, and flexible work arrangements.

POSITION STATUS: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Vector may use both internal and external third party AI-based tools to assist in the screening of applications for this posting. Any data collected will be used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with Vector’s External Privacy Policy and Use of AI-Based Tools in Recruitment and Selection Policy.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Vector believes AI powers possibility by advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world impact through collaboration with research, industry, and government. Vector is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects its values.
The Vector Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact [email protected]. The Vector Institute team will be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Check out the Vector Institute’s Careers Page to explore open opportunities at Vector and Follow Vector on X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky to stay connected with the latest developments in Ontario’s AI ecosystem and the Vector Institute.

Required languages: English

Education level: Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline; MSc/MEng preferred

Required skills: Minimum of four years of industry experience applying machine learning to data science, applied research, or technology product development; experience across multiple industries is considered an asset; Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead on projects that apply machine learning or AI research to novel problems and real-world datasets; Experience leading a team of researchers or engineers is an asset; Strong proficiency in Python; Demonstrated data engineering experience, particularly working with messy real-world data; Experience working with one or more leading open-source deep learning software frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace, JAX, CUDA, etc; Understanding of the broad set of AI and ML tooling ecosystem, including model development, training, evaluation, and deployment; Experience with distributed systems and cloud-native infrastructure, including tools such as Kafka, Kubernetes, Terraform, Prometheus, Docker, and cloud-managed services (AWS/GCP/Azure) is preferred; Familiar with every stage of ML lifecycle from problem formulation and data preparation through operational considerations of deployment, monitoring, and iteration; Experience building end-to-end AI software applications in an industry setting is an asset; Strong problem-solving abilities, with the ability to translate between technical concepts and business use cases, tailoring communication to diverse stakeholders; and, Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts.

Closest intersection: College Steet and University Avenue