Principal Machine Learning Engineer

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Job Summary

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will design, build, deploy, and scale machine learning and generative AI systems that power real-world products. You will work closely in AI Sidekick team and business teams to translate advanced ML and LLM capabilities into reliable, production‑grade solutions across multi‑cloud environments including GCP, AWS, and Azure.

This role blends applied machine learning, software engineering, and MLOps, with a strong focus on building robust, scalable systems rather than purely academic research.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning and Large Language Model (LLM)–based solutions for production use cases

• Collaborate with Generative AI Center of Excellence leaders and business stakeholders to evaluate buy vs. build decisions for generative AI applications

• Develop end-to-end ML pipelines, covering data ingestion, feature engineering, model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring

• Architect and implement LLM-powered systems that integrate agents and services across multiple cloud platforms into a unified solution

• Optimize ML workflows for performance, scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency in cloud environments (GCP, Azure, AWS)

• Implement and maintain MLOps best practices, including CI/CD, model versioning, experiment tracking, and automated retraining

• Work extensively with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow

• Containerize ML services and deploy them using Docker, Kubernetes, App Engine, or virtual machines

• Apply strong knowledge of NLP fundamentals, including transformers, attention mechanisms, embeddings, and text preprocessing

• Deploy and manage models in production, conduct A/B testing, and measure performance improvements using statistical methods

• Develop features, run experiments, analyze results, and translate insights into actionable improvements

• Build and deploy classical ML models (regression, classification, clustering), NLP applications (sentiment analysis, summarization, Q&A, chatbots, information retrieval), and computer vision solutions (image classification, object detection, segmentation using models such as YOLOv7, DDRNet, RFTM with datasets like COCO and Cityscapes)

 
Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years, Master’s with 6+ years, or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of experience in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field

• Strong proficiency in Python for machine learning and production systems

• Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals, system design, and design patterns

• Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (GCP, Azure, or AWS)

• Experience building and deploying production-grade ML systems

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts and results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Excellent time management, collaboration, and organizational skills

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 154,000 - 232,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

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This posting is a new position within our organization.