Data Engineer / Backend API Engineer

Cognizant; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a contract Data Engineer / Backend API Engineer in Toronto, ON. The role involves designing and building internal backend APIs supporting an enterprise data integration platform with a focus on reliability, scalability, and performance. The ideal candidate will have experience with Azure, Java or .NET, and Kafka for event streaming. You will work independently while collaborating with internal teams to ensure alignment on API contracts and produce necessary technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and building internal APIs.
• Proficiency in Azure and Java or .NET.
• Familiarity with event-driven messaging using Kafka.

Responsibilities

• Design and build internal REST and event-driven APIs.
• Validate and transform incoming data.
• Collaborate with internal teams on API contracts.

Skills

API design

Azure

Java or .NET

Kafka

Data integration

Event-driven programming

Job description

**PR / Citizens who lived in Canada for more than 5 years needed due to Pro B clearance**

Location- Onsite at Toronto, ON

Objective

Engage a contract Data Engineer / Backend API Engineer to design and implement internal backend APIs supporting an enterprise data integration platform. These internal APIs will orchestrate processing, validate data, and route requests to downstream systems, operating behind an externally exposed API layer.

Scope of Work

• Design and build internal REST and event‑driven APIs that receive single requests from an external API layer for downstream processing
• Implement backend logic to:
  • Validate, transform, and enrich incoming data
  • Orchestrate workflow and route requests to target systems and databases
  • Route each request to the appropriate destination system
• Integrate backend services with:
  • Internal databases
  • Downstream systems and APIs
• Ensure solutions meet agreed non‑functional requirements for:
  • Reliability, scalability, and performance
  • Logging, monitoring, and error handling
  • Secure data handling and interface contracts
• Collaborate with internal application, platform, and integration teams to ensure alignment on API contracts, event schemas, and deployment timelines
• Produce technical documentation sufficient for operational support and knowledge transfer

Technical Environment

• Cloud Platform: Azure (primary), AWS (secondary if required)
• API Styles: REST APIs and event‑driven messaging
• Core Technologies:
  • Java or .NET for backend API implementation
  • Kafka for event streaming and asynchronous processing
• Integration: Internal systems, databases, and downstream APIs

Engagement Model

• Minimal discovery; work executed against a defined architecture and scope
• Contractor expected to work independently while coordinating with internal teams as needed
• Production‑ready internal backend APIs and supporting data pipelines
• Event‑driven integration components where required
• Technical documentation and handoff materials

Duration & Resourcing

Specific duration, capacity, and milestones to be defined within the commercial SOW.