Applied Embedded AI Research Scientist (Computer Vision)

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Within the group, Thales Digital Solutions (TDS) is a technological innovation hub supporting all sectors of activity, both in the local Canadian market and internationally. Join us to contribute to the development of mission critical solutions. Our various cutting-edge projects use our expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Human Factors, Collaborative Autonomous Systems, Optimization, Knowledge Management, Cybersecurity and Design.

Thales Group is a global organization with operations on all continents serving five major markets, all of them of vital importance for our societies: aerospace, space, defense and security, and digital identity and security. From the bottom of the ocean to the depth of space and cyberspace, Thales Group provides a unique range of technologies and services that make tomorrow possible, today. From helping cities and critical infrastructures to become safe and smart, to securing the global financial markets, protecting data and privacy and keeping security forces connected while on critical missions, Thales ensure that everyone can continue to share information, reap the benefits of a connected world and enjoy an enhanced quality of life, while staying safe and one step ahead of all forms of digital threat.

Thales’ Applied AI Research Team in Canada is looking for a talented researcher with a great appetite to solve complex research questions and apply them to critical AI projects. The team aims to design and implement cutting-edge secure solutions (AI/ML and/or Computer Vision) for embedded systems.

Essential Functions

A Research and Technology (R&T) AI scientist in AI Embedded Systems and Computer Vision is responsible for discovering, enabling and integrating complex innovative AI concepts into solutions. He/she proves their viability through the implementation of Proofs of Concept (PoCs) and guides their maturity growth through prototypes and demonstrators that will in turn illustrate and enable their full business potential.

To be successful in this role, curiosity for what is new, willingness to challenge the status quo, open-mindedness and out-of-the-box thinking are crucial. The individual should quickly learn and assess new techniques and technologies in order to decide whether to adopt, adapt or discard them. He/she also needs to be able to come up with new ideas, present them, challenge them and improve them continuously. The individual must possess deep, hands-on technical skills and be familiar with operations research methods and tools. The candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of the scientific method and his/her ability to deliver quality content at all steps of the research process, from the capability to summarize the theoretical background of a novel domain to the dissemination of research outputs through peer-reviewed publications, patents or other means.

The scientist is part of a multi-disciplinary team. Strong team spirit and teamwork capabilities are mandatory. The ideal candidate therefore is able to demonstrate transverse skills that would facilitate the transfer of the work carried out to all stakeholders involved. He/she will contribute as a technical subject matter expert to Research and Technology projects across its business units. Therefore, good communication skills are required.

Applied AI Research Scientist Responsibilities:

• Perform research and develop algorithms for critical systems.
• Design and implement AI models to serve a large number of complex problems.
• Publish research results in top-tier AI conferences and contribute to publishing innovation patents
• Demonstrate good communication skills with scientists, engineers, and stakeholders
• Demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
• Collaborate with academic or research institutes (e.g., NSERC, MITACS, etc.), with industrial partners, and with internal units/teams
• Suggest, collect, and synthesize system requirements from stakeholders and create effective roadmaps

Minimum requirements:

• PhD in engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, or a related field.
• Prior experience in AI/ML, computer vision, signal processing, security of embedded systems
• Knowledge of mainstream Deep Learning architectures (Transformers, CNN, LSTM, etc).
• Strong development skills with Machine Learning using Python and frameworks such as Tensorflow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Theano
• Working knowledge of Linux OS
• Initiating and driving applied research projects to completion with minimal guidance.
• Eagerness to contribute in a team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in school, civil or business organisations
• Ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment
• Communicating scientific work clearly and effectively (talks, presentations, publications, etc.)
• Fluency in French (spoken and written).
• This position requires a good knowledge of English to interact, support and/or provide services to international clients, employees and/or partners as well as foreign governmental authorities who do not speak French.

Desirable qualification

• Minimum 5 years of machine learning experience in Python
• A track record of outstanding AI software development with Github (or similar) evidence
• Demonstrated interest and experience in AI from both an algorithmic and a system point of view
• Ability to establish credibility with other team members, clients, and members of the national/international scientific community.
• Prior experience in a Research & Technology or innovation environments (patents, publications, etc.)
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Physical requirements

The job may require the employee to setup equipment and perform field trials in outdoor environments.

The reference Total Target Compensation(TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 91,737.47 - 167,298.57 CAD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please reach out to your HR Shared Service, 1st Point)

provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Discounts on insurance (home, and auto).

is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.