Data & AI platform Engineer, GFT

Job Description

Global Functions Technology (GFT) is part of RBC’s Technology and Operations division. GFT’s impact is far-reaching as we collaborate with partners from across the company to deliver innovative and transformative IT solutions. Our clients represent Risk, Finance, HR, CAO, Audit, Legal, Compliance, Financial Crime, Capital Markets, Personal and Commercial Banking and Wealth Management. We also lead the development of digital tools and platforms to enhance collaboration.

We’re seeking a Staff Engineer focused on building and scaling data‑driven systems that enable advanced analytics, machine learning, and impactful business decisions. You will play a key role in shaping our next‑generation Market and Counter party Credit risk management platform, and lead by example in applying sound architectural thinking, engineering rigor, and technical mentorship.

• Lead by Doing: Design, build, and review scalable data pipelines, analytics platforms, and ML systems. This is a hands‑on role with end‑to‑end ownership, with significant time doing coding.
• Set Technical Direction: Define and promote best practices in data and ML engineering. Evaluate emerging technologies and guide adoption to drive innovation.
• Partner Cross‑Functionally: Work closely with data scientists, business leaders, and IT teams to understand needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Deliver at Scale: Ensure projects are executed with high quality, on time, and aligned with business goals. Proactively identify risks and enforce compliance standards, especially around data governance and security.

Must Have:

• 5+ years of experience in backend software engineering and distributed systems design
• 3+ years building and scaling data engineering systems with modern tools (Spark, Kafka, Airflow, SQL)
• Deep expertise in backend languages and frameworks (Java, Python, Go, Scala) and REST/gRPC APIs
• Proven experience with system design, microservices architecture, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with AI/ML integration, LLM applications, or agentic systems
• Strong understanding of data pipeline architecture, ETL/ELT patterns, and real‑time data processing
• Excellent communication skills—able to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field;
  Master’s or PhD preferred

Nice to Have:

• Experience designing and deploying agentic AI systems or multi‑agent frameworks
• Background in enterprise‑level data governance, security, and compliance practices
• Hands‑on experience with Snowflake, AWS Sage Maker, or modern vector databases
• Experience with Kubernetes, containerization, or infrastructure‑as‑code
• Knowledge of financial systems, trading platforms, or risk management systems

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
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high‑performing team
• A world‑class training program in financial services
• Opportunities to do challenging work
• Opportunities to take on progressively greater accountabilities
• Opportunities to building close relationships with clients
• Access to a variety of job opportunities across business and geographies

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities.

RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.