Principal Applied AI/ML Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Applied AI/ML Engineer based in Canada. This is a senior technical leadership role focused on building and scaling production-grade AI systems that power next-generation construction and cloud-based solutions. You will operate at the intersection of applied machine learning, software engineering, and cloud infrastructure, shaping the architecture of complex AI-driven platforms. The role requires someone who thrives in ambiguity and can translate loosely defined opportunities into robust, scalable technical solutions. You will influence system design across AI models, backend services, data infrastructure, and distributed cloud environments. Working across global teams, you will collaborate closely with engineering, product, and data science stakeholders to align technical direction and execution. This is a highly impactful position where hands-on engineering expertise and strategic leadership are equally critical. Strong communication and cross-regional collaboration skills are essential in this fast-paced, distributed environment. Accountabilities Lead the architecture, design, and evolution of production-grade AI systems, including LLMs, ML pipelines, retrieval systems, agentic workflows, and automation capabilities. Own complex cross-stack technical challenges spanning model behavior, system architecture, infrastructure, scalability, reliability, and operational performance. Define technical strategy for building, integrating, evaluating, securing, monitoring, and continuously improving AI solutions. Drive cloud architecture decisions across AWS environments, ensuring performance, reliability, observability, cost efficiency, and security. Design and optimize data systems, including relational and graph databases, schema strategies, and query performance tuning. Lead distributed systems design for cross-regional services with strong attention to latency, availability, and failover. Establish engineering best practices for quality, including automated testing, validation frameworks, QA processes, and release discipline. Translate ambiguous business needs into clear technical roadmaps, execution plans, and measurable outcomes. Partner with engineering, product, and data teams to align priorities and influence decisions without formal authority. Provide technical leadership to a ~20-person team through mentoring, design reviews, and raising execution standards. Introduce structure into ambiguous environments by defining milestones, managing risks, and ensuring cross-team accountability. Requirements: Extensive experience building and scaling production software systems with strong AI/ML components. Advanced proficiency in Python and deep familiarity with modern AI/ML models, research, and implementation patterns. Proven track record of leading architecture and delivery for large-scale, cross-functional technical initiatives. Strong hands-on expertise in backend engineering, APIs, distributed systems, and production operations. Significant experience with AWS architecture, including optimization for scalability, reliability, observability, and cost. Strong understanding of database design, particularly relational systems, with graph databases as a strong advantage. Ability to operate as a technical generalist across DevOps, infrastructure, QA, and delivery planning. Excellent judgment in ambiguous contexts, with the ability to prioritize and make high-quality trade-off decisions. Exceptional written communication skills, including technical documentation, design reviews, and strategy memos. Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proven experience collaborating across global, distributed teams and multiple time zones. Benefits: Competitive base salary range of $131,000 – $191,400 CAD , with potential for higher offers based on experience and location. Annual bonuses, stock grants, and performance-based compensation opportunities. Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Strong focus on work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. Opportunities to work on high-impact AI systems used in global-scale design and construction platforms. Professional development, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities. Inclusive workplace culture centered on belonging and innovation. Exposure to cutting-edge AI research and large-scale production systems. How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best! Why Apply Through Jobgether? Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time. #LI-CL1