29 Apr Director of AI and R&D / North Shore

Why this role is different:

Most Director of Engineering roles focus on maintaining what already exists. This one is about building what comes next.

Our client is at a pivotal stage: existing solutions are already operational, and the organization is now accelerating its expansion into new markets while developing the next generation of technology products.

The individual stepping into the Director of AI and R&D role will play a direct part in shaping that future. Your code, hardware, and your team’s work will be deployed in real-world environments, serving real users and addressing challenges across multiple industries.

This is not a remote management role. You will be at the core of the technology, working closely with the CEO, and at the center of the impact. If you aspire to lead tangible, visible initiatives deployed at scale in the real world, this opportunity is for you.

Your work will not remain in a demo environment — it will come to life in the field and be deployed at scale.

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About the company:

Our client is a growing technology company that designs intelligent solutions to transform the management of complex infrastructure and operations. Its solutions combine machine learning, computer vision, and IoT hardware to deliver automated, real-time capabilities at scale.

The organization moves quickly, experiments continuously, and builds solutions that are actively deployed in the field.

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Culture:

Our client operates in an environment where impact is real and visible, within an agile and highly collaborative team:

• Strong focus on innovation and pushing beyond established standards
• Lean structure enabling fast and efficient decision-making
• Multidisciplinary environment offering broad exposure and scope
• Mission-driven organization developing practical, high-impact technologies

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Role overview:

We are seeking a hands-on, execution-driven Director of AI and R&D to lead a growing engineering team (4 to 10 engineers and technical specialists).

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for the entire R&D function — including software, hardware, AI/ML, and computer vision — and will drive the transformation of the technology roadmap into delivered products.

You are not only a strategist. You are involved in the details, support your team, maintain high standards, and ensure delivery.

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Key responsibilities :

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary R&D team (software, hardware, AI/ML)
• Define and execute the technology roadmap (current and future products)
• Oversee the development of computer vision and machine learning solutions in real time
• Drive IoT hardware development (sensors, embedded systems, field integration)
• Establish efficient engineering processes (sprints, quality, delivery)
• Recruit, mentor, and retain technical talent
• Translate CEO priorities into actionable technical plans
• Collaborate with leadership, operations, and external partners (SR&ED, IRAP programs)
• Manage R&D budgets, vendors, and technology tools
• Ensure regular tracking of projects, risks, and team capacity

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Qualifications :

• 7+ years of engineering experience, including at least 3 in leadership roles
• Experience managing both software AND hardware teams
• Hands-on experience in AI, computer vision, ML, or embedded/IoT systems
• Proven track record of delivering products in a growth environment
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving environments
• Strong communication skills with executive leadership
• Knowledge of SR&ED / IRAP programs (an asset)
• Experience with agile methodologies
• Degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field

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Technology environment :

• Languages: C#, .NET, Blazor, Python
• AI / ML / CV: PyTorch, OpenCV
• Hardware: Raspberry Pi, Arduino, NVIDIA embedded
• Infrastructure: proprietary environment

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Nice to have :

• Experience in smart infrastructure or connected systems
• Knowledge of CCTV systems and visual recognition
• Experience in edge computing or real-time video processing
• Experience scaling technical teams
• Experience with SR&ED / IRAP

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What our client offers :

• Base salary up to $150,000
• Performance-based bonus (product delivery and team growth)
• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision)
• Flexible work environment (on-site preferred)
• Unique opportunity for growth across multiple markets
• Direct access to the CEO — your ideas are heard