How to improve research profile

I have a MSc in Computer Science and work as a machine learning engineer in Canada. Given I have no papers or publications, I'm looking for advice on how to improve my research profile to make a stronger case. Specifically, I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to go about publishing papers. Should I go back to school and do a PhD? has anyone published in the industry? Has anyone done a part-time Ph.D. or research assistant position at a university? If you'd been in similar situation, what did you do?

Any suggestions or advice at all would be appreciated!