Data Engineering Intern

Zurich Canada; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich Canada is seeking a Data Engineering Intern to support the design, development, and operation of enterprise data solutions that enable reporting, analytics, and AI initiatives. You will work with Databricks, Microsoft Azure, and modern lakehouse concepts under the guidance of experienced data engineers.

This co‑op/internship offers hands‑on experience in data ingestion, transformation, quality, and automation, with exposure to both structured and unstructured data and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Python programming fundamentals.
• Basic knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
• Understanding of data structures, ETL/ELT concepts, and data processing fundamentals.
• Exposure to cloud technologies (Azure, AWS, GCP) through coursework or projects.
• Familiarity with data analytics, reporting, or BI concepts.
• Demonstrated curiosity and passion for data, analytics, and technology.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and maintaining data pipelines using Databricks and Microsoft Azure to support reporting, analytics, and AI initiatives.
• Support ingestion of data from enterprise applications, APIs, files, and cloud-based sources.
• Develop and maintain Python and SQL scripts for data transformation, validation, and automation.
• Help build and optimize datasets within bronze, silver, and gold layers of a Lakehouse architecture.
• Perform data quality validation, reconciliation, and monitoring to ensure trusted data assets.
• Assist with troubleshooting data pipeline issues and support production operations.
• Collaborate with data engineers, analytics teams, data scientists, AI engineers, and stakeholders on enterprise data initiatives.
• Contribute to technical documentation and runbooks.

Skills

Python programming

SQL basics

Data structures

ETL/ELT concepts

Data analytics concepts

Curiosity about data

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Data Science / Engineering / Information Systems / Mathematics / Statistics

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Databricks

Google Cloud

AWS

Python libraries (Pandas, PySpark)

Power BI / Tableau

Git / GitHub / Azure DevOps

Job description

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a post-secondary student for an Internship/Co-op position within our Data Engineering team to support the design, development, and operation of enterprise data solutions that enable reporting, analytics, and AI-driven business initiatives.

As a Data Engineering Intern, you will gain hands‑on experience working with modern cloud-based data platforms, including Databricks and Microsoft Azure. You will support data ingestion, transformation, data quality, and analytics initiatives while learning industry best practices for building scalable and secure data solutions. You will have the opportunity to work with structured and unstructured datasets, contribute to data pipeline development, and help deliver trusted data assets that support business decision‑making.

You will work under the direct supervision of experienced data engineers and data platform professionals, collaborating on real‑world projects while developing practical skills in data engineering, cloud technologies, and modern Lakehouse architecture. This opportunity is part of our internship program and is also open to Co‑op students.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence‑enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in‑person presence, which may include time in the office or market‑facing engagements.

What you will do

• Assist in developing and maintaining data pipelines using Databricks and Microsoft Azure to support reporting, analytics, and AI-driven initiatives
• Support ingestion of data from enterprise applications, APIs, files, and cloud-based data sources
• Develop and maintain Python and SQL scripts for data transformation, validation, and automation
• Help build, maintain, and optimize datasets within bronze, silver, and gold layers of a modern Lakehouse architecture
• Perform data quality validation, reconciliation, and monitoring activities to ensure trusted data assets
• Assist with troubleshooting data pipeline issues and support operational activities within a production environment
• Collaborate with data engineers, analytics teams, data scientists, AI engineers, and business stakeholders on enterprise data initiatives
• Contribute to technical documentation, runbooks, and knowledge-sharing activities
• Learn and apply cloud, data governance, security, and engineering best practices
• Explore emerging technologies including AI, machine learning, and intelligent data solutions

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field
• Knowledge of Python programming fundamentals
• Basic knowledge of SQL and relational databases
• Understanding of data structures, ETL/ELT concepts, and data processing fundamentals
• Exposure to cloud technologies (Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud) through academic coursework, projects, or certifications
• Familiarity with data analytics, reporting, or business intelligence concepts
• Demonstrated curiosity and passion for data, analytics, and technology
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Be legally eligible to work in Canada

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Databricks, Apache Spark, PySpark, or similar data processing technologies through coursework or personal projects
• Familiarity with Git, GitHub, or Azure DevOps version control practices
• Experience working with data using Python libraries such as Pandas or PySpark
• Basic understanding of data warehousing, dimensional modeling, or Lakehouse concepts
• Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, or other data visualization tools
• Interest in cloud data platforms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
• Demonstrated problem solving skills in a customer focused environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Analytical skills
• Excel and PowerPoint experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self‑motivated, punctual, professional and able to work independently

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is 45,000 - 60,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.
• We care about our employees’ well‑being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.
• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.
• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.
• We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.
• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi‑line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid‑sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 650 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in‑depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.

A future with Zurich

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 148 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. We are a leading provider of commercial property‑casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. Today, we serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology and insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, Zurich strives to provide ongoing career development opportunities and foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our people, our customers and the communities we serve.

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich Canadian Holdings Limited. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

Only applicable for Canada: For Zurich Canada’s commitment to diversity and accessibility please click here. If you would prefer to not receive future electronic messages from Zurich Insurance Company Ltd’s recruitment management system, please email your request to have your job profile deleted from the system by clicking here. Zurich Insurance Company Ltd 100 King St., W., Suite 5500, Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9. www.zurichcanada.com