Sr Spec, IT

Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is growing?

Who We Are

We are a global mining company dedicated to safely delivering nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals essential for the world’s energy transition.

Our mission is to improve lives and shape a better future together.

From utensils to cellphones to satellites, our operations simplify daily life and enhance connectivity. Our metals are integral to life-saving medical equipment and the electric vehicles driving the fight against climate change – our work truly matters.

Join our diverse team of 15,000 talented individuals committed to transforming critical minerals into prosperity and sustainable development in countries like Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We invite you to use your skills with us and contribute to something meaningful and enduring.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Sr. Specialist, AI/Machine Learning Developer to join our AI & Automation Centre of Excellence for a permanent opportunity within Information Technology in Sudbury, ON. This role reports to the Sr. Manager, CoE - AI and Automation.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in scaling Vale Base Metals' advanced analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities. You will be responsible for designing, deploying, and optimizing machine learning solutions that support predictive maintenance, process automation, operational reliability, and real-time decision-making across our global mining and industrial operations.

Working collaboratively with data scientists, data developers, platform specialists, operational teams, and technology leaders, you will transform complex operational challenges into practical AI-driven solutions that create measurable business value. This is a unique opportunity to influence the adoption of emerging technologies, including Generative AI, Agentic AI, MLOps, and edge computing in a global industrial environment.

About You

You are an innovative and technically accomplished AI professional who thrives at the intersection of advanced analytics, engineering, and business transformation. You enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and driving meaningful operational improvements through technology. Success in this role will be demonstrated through your ability to:

• Deliver scalable AI and machine learning solutions that generate measurable business value.
• Collaborate effectively with technical and operational stakeholders across global environments.
• Lead innovation initiatives and evaluate emerging technologies for business impact.
• Balance technical excellence with practical business outcomes.
• Drive responsible AI adoption while maintaining strong governance and security practices.
• Influence decision-making through advanced analytics and predictive insights.
• Mentor team members and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

In This Role, You Will:

AI & Machine Learning Development

• Design, develop, deploy, and optimize advanced machine learning models for industrial use cases such as predictive maintenance, geohazard detection, ore grade optimization, and equipment failure prediction.
• Leverage modern AI/ML frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, ONNX, and related technologies to deliver scalable solutions.
• Ensure models are production-ready and aligned with business objectives and operational requirements.

MLOps & Platform Engineering

• Build and maintain robust MLOps pipelines using Azure Machine Learning, MLflow, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Automate model deployment, monitoring, retraining, and lifecycle management processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of AI infrastructure, reliability, scalability, and performance.

Edge AI & Performance Optimization

• Optimize models for GPU acceleration using technologies such as CUDA and TensorRT.
• Implement edge AI solutions that enable real-time inference and decision support in remote mining environments.
• Enhance system efficiency and responsiveness across operational technology environments.

Innovation & Emerging Technologies

• Explore, prototype, and implement solutions leveraging Generative AI, Agentic AI, large language models (LLMs), and federated learning.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to enhance automation, productivity, and knowledge management across the organization.
• Contribute thought leadership and technical direction for future AI initiatives.

Governance, Security & Compliance

• Ensure responsible AI adoption through governance frameworks, ethical AI practices, and compliance with global privacy and security requirements.
• Support data integrity, cybersecurity, role-based access controls, and enterprise AI governance standards.
• Promote secure and compliant use of AI technologies across business functions.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Value Delivery

• Partner with Operations, IT, Data & Analytics, Engineering, and business stakeholders to integrate AI solutions into enterprise workflows.
• Translate business challenges into scalable AI opportunities with measurable outcomes and ROI.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making through predictive analytics and data-driven insights.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field is preferred

Experience:

• 11 to 15 years of relevant experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics, software engineering, or related fields.
• Proven experience developing and deploying enterprise-scale machine learning solutions.
• Strong experience with MLOps, cloud-native AI platforms, and machine learning lifecycle management.
• Experience working with industrial, operational technology (OT), IoT, or manufacturing data environments is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success delivering AI solutions that drive operational performance and business outcomes.

Skills:

• Deep expertise in machine learning, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and advanced analytics.
• Strong proficiency with PyTorch, TensorFlow, Azure Machine Learning, MLflow, Docker, Kubernetes, and related technologies.
• Experience optimizing AI models using GPU acceleration technologies such as CUDA and TensorRT.
• Knowledge of enterprise data architectures, cloud infrastructure, Infrastructure as Code, and DevOps practices.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot, SAP Joule, and AI-enabled business solutions.
• Strong understanding of data governance, privacy regulations, security practices, and ethical AI principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence technical strategy.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational capabilities.

What We Offer You 

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans, and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities

Why Sudbury

Greater Sudbury is a vibrant city in northeastern Ontario, renowned for its rich mining history and significant role in Canada's mineral production. The city sits atop one of the world's largest and oldest meteorite impact sites, the Sudbury Basin, which is exceptionally rich in nickel, copper, and other critical minerals that are required for modern technologies such as AI and defence.

The mining sector is a cornerstone of Sudbury's economy, driving both employment and economic growth, and Vale Base Metals plays a pivotal role in this regard. Our commitment to the community is as deep as our mines. 

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people can act like owners, being their authentic selves and empowering them to deliver results. Vale Base Metals encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

Vale recognizes the Impacts and Benefits Agreements with the Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government in which Innu and Inuit workers have first preference for employment at the Voisey’s Bay Mine Site. This is guided by an adjacency principle that first gives preference to those who live on the coast of Labrador, followed by those residing in the rest of Labrador, those residing on the island of the province, followed by the rest of Canada.

Next, priority will be given to Newfoundland and Labrador residents. We also welcome those who are willing to relocate back home and those looking to make NL their permanent home. Accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Innu Nation members and Nunatsiavut beneficiaries can submit their application to their Vale Indigenous Employment Coordinator.

Employees engaged by the Company must be lawfully able to work for the Company in the country where the role is located. The Company does not provide immigration, work permit, or permanent residence sponsorship or assistance.

Pay Grade:  F2T

Minimum Starting Salary: CAD $119,200

Apply by:  Friday, Nov 13, 2026

#ValeBaseMetals