AI Engineer / Python Developer (Contract)

Overview

Kai Cao Inc. is seeking an AI Engineer / Python Developer for an hourly contract position supporting internal engineering tools, automation software, AI training workflows, deep learning or reinforcement learning exploration, and AI-enabled applications.

This position is intended for an intermediate-level software developer with strong Python programming skills and approximately 3–7 years of relevant software development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and practical project experience. Candidates should have relevant academic, personal, or professional experience in AI, machine learning, or computer vision, including image processing, object detection, image segmentation, model training, or visual inspection applications. Experience with frameworks such as OpenCV, YOLO, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar technologies is considered a strong asset.

As a growing engineering company, we have the flexibility to rapidly prototype and deploy new software into real engineering environments. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to influence the direction of our software platform, AI strategy, and future technical roadmap while working directly with experienced engineers serving Canada's nuclear industry.

This position reports directly to the supervisor, so clear and proactive communication matters as much as the code itself. The successful candidate should be comfortable flagging blockers early, writing things down clearly, documenting decisions, and taking ownership of work without needing constant follow-up.

Duties

Supporting AI training workflows, including dataset preparation, labeling support, model evaluation, testing, and documentation

Developing Python scripts, automation utilities, and data-processing tools for engineering workflows

Supporting AI/computer vision pipelines, including object detection and image segmentation projects

Developing desktop applications using Python or C#

Database design, backend development, and integration with internal tools

Testing, debugging, validation, and troubleshooting of software applications

Preparing technical documentation, user guides, and clear handover notes

Assisting with software architecture, system design, and implementation planning

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, or a closely related discipline

Strong programming ability in Python; experience with C#, JavaScript, or TypeScript is an asset

Interest in applied AI, AI training, computer vision, automation, or industrial software

Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (SDLC), UML diagrams, and technical documentation practices

Familiarity with Git version control

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to learn new technologies quickly

Good communication and technical writing skills; comfortable raising issues, asking questions, and giving progress updates without being chased

Able to take ownership of ambiguous problems and drive them to resolution independently, while also working well within a small team

Site and Security Requirements

Must be eligible and willing to obtain required nuclear security clearance and comply with customer and site-access requirements

Must have a valid driver's licence and access to their own reliable vehicle for occasional travel to nuclear stations, customer sites, and industrial facilities

Must be able and willing to work from time to time in industrial environments and nuclear station environments, including following site safety, security, and personal protective equipment requirements

Must be available for primarily in-person work in Oakville, with occasional off-site visits based on project and customer needs

Assets (Nice to Have)

Experience with any of the following is considered an asset:

React and TypeScript

OpenCV, YOLO, or other machine learning / AI projects

AI training, dataset preparation, model validation, or computer vision data workflows

PySide6 / PyQt

SQLite, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or other databases

REST APIs

Data visualization and reporting tools

CAD/CAM, embedded systems, robotics, sensor integration, or industrial inspection technologies

Hands-on experience experimenting with deep learning or reinforcement learning models using tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Gymnasium, Stable-Baselines, or similar libraries

Pay: $22.00-$50.00 per hour

Work Location: In person