Job Title: DSP Algorithm Engineer Join a central AI and chip engineering organization at a leading technology center in Kanata, Ottawa, where you will develop high‑performance embedded software that brings advanced machine learning models to life at the edge.

You will work within a flagship AI software hub focused on enabling edge AI—including agentic AI, generative AI, and advanced machine learning—on embedded platforms for automotive, industrial, robotics, and intelligent edge systems. In this role, you will design and optimize DSP and embedded algorithms, work close to the hardware, and help transform complex AI/ML models into production‑ready solutions that power real‑world intelligent devices capable of perceiving, deciding, and acting in real time.

Responsibilities

- Design, develop, and optimize DSP and embedded software algorithms for automotive AI and machine learning applications.
- Implement machine learning, computer vision, and signal processing algorithms on embedded platforms.
- Perform low-level performance optimization on embedded accelerators such as ARM NEON, GPUs, and DSPs.
- Support AI and machine learning software bring-up and integration on semiconductor chips for edge AI solutions.
- Conduct in-depth performance analysis and tuning based on the underlying hardware architecture.
- Develop, maintain, and modify SDKs, frameworks, and low-level system software rather than only consuming existing SDKs or APIs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure embedded AI solutions meet performance, reliability, and real-time requirements.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and best practices for performance-critical embedded systems.

Essential Skills

- At least 5 years of experience in embedded software development.
- Strong proficiency in C and C++ (C++11 minimum).
- Strong understanding of processor architecture, including SIMD, NEON, and GPU/DSP concepts.
- Hands-on experience with low-level optimization and performance tuning on embedded systems.
- Experience in algorithm development in one or more areas such as AI and machine learning, image processing, audio/video processing, or computer vision.
- Proven experience working close to the hardware and platform layer, including building or enhancing SDKs, frameworks, or low-level system software.
- Ability to analyze and optimize code based on hardware architecture constraints and performance targets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience with AI and machine learning accelerators or compilers.
- Exposure to automotive standards such as ISO-based safety standards, ASPICE, or MISRA.
- Experience with C++14 or newer.
- Scripting experience, with a preference for Python.
- Experience with build systems such as CMake or Bazel.
- Knowledge of DSP frameworks and parallel computing technologies such as OpenCL, CUDA, or OpenGL.
- Familiarity with RTOS environments such as Linux, QNX, or Integrity.
- Interest in growing into advanced roles in architecture or specialized algorithm development.




- Motivation to work on performance-critical systems and hardware-near development in a fast-moving environment.

Work Environment This role is based in the Kanata area of Ottawa within a key hub for AI software development focused on edge AI solutions for automotive, industrial, and robotics applications. The team builds embedded AI systems, including generative AI and advanced machine learning, on semiconductor platforms that must meet stringent real-time and performance requirements. The position currently emphasizes an on-site presence in Ottawa, with a target of three days per week in the office to encourage close collaboration, rapid iteration, and direct interaction with hardware and development platforms. You will work with modern toolchains and technologies such as C and C++ (including C++11 and newer), Python scripting, build systems like CMake and Bazel, DSP frameworks such as OpenCL, CUDA, or OpenGL, and RTOS environments including Linux, QNX, and Integrity. The workplace is fast-moving and performance-focused, where contributions have immediate impact on production-grade embedded AI solutions and where there are clear opportunities to grow into advanced architectural or specialized algorithm roles. This position is for an existing vacancy.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.

Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Ottawa,ON.

À propos d'Actalent

Actalent est un leader mondial dans les services d’ingénierie et de sciences ainsi que dans les solutions de talents. Nous aidons des entreprises visionnaires à faire progresser leurs initiatives d’ingénierie et de science grâce à l’accès à des experts spécialisés qui favorisent l’échelle, l’innovation et la rapidité de mise sur le marché. Avec un réseau de près de 20 000 consultants et 5 000 clients à travers les États-Unis, le Canada, l’Asie et l’Europe, Actalent dessert de nombreuses entreprises du Fortune 500.

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d’un handicap, de l’orientation sexuelle, de l’identité sexuelle, des renseignements génétiques ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi.

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Utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle (IA): Nous pouvons utiliser l’intelligence artificielle (IA) pour soutenir certaines étapes de notre processus d’embauche, notamment la recherche, la présélection et l’évaluation des candidatures. L’IA aide à analyser les candidatures et les qualifications, mais les décisions finales sont prises par notre équipe de recrutement. En soumettant votre candidature, vous reconnaissez et acceptez que celle-ci puisse être examinée à l’aide d’outils d’IA.

About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market.

With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

📌 DSP Algorithm Engineer (Ottawa)
🏢 Actalent
📍 Ottawa