Lead Engineer - Data

ZS; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel opportunities

Job summary

ZS in Canada is seeking a Data Engineering Lead to design, build, and optimize scalable data architectures, enabling data-driven decision making. You will lead a team of Data Engineers and partner with cross-functional teams to deliver robust data solutions for clients worldwide.

The role requires 8–10+ years in data engineering, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), ETL, data modeling, and strong leadership. We offer a Hybrid work model with travel for client engagements and a comprehensive total

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in data engineering with scalable data systems.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, and data engineering best practices.
• Experience with cloud data platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and data warehousing.
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor junior data engineers.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and implementation of scalable data systems aligned to business goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate data requirements into architecture.
• Develop and manage ETL pipelines and data movement between warehouses and lakes.
• Design and build data ingestion frameworks and data quality/audit systems.
• Establish data governance, quality, and security practices.
• Analyze data to derive insights for data-driven decisions.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders and act as data engineering authority.
• Provide mentorship and grow junior Data Engineers.
• Foster knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the team.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data warehousing

Cloud platforms

ETL

Data modeling

Big data

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Data Science or related

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Kafka

Data integration tools

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Overview

The Data Engineering Lead is a senior technical professional responsible for designing, building, and optimizing scalable data architectures and processes to enable efficient data utilization and data-driven decision-making. This role combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills to drive best‑in‑class data engineering solutions and mentor junior team members.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the design and implementation of robust, scalable, and reliable data systems, ensuring high performance and alignment with business goals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to understand data requirements and translate them into effective data architecture and engineering solutions.
• Develop and manage software processes that facilitate seamless data movement between data warehouses, data lakes, and other internal systems.
• Design and optimize ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines to prepare high-quality data for various stakeholders.
• Design and build Data Ingestion frameworks, data quality frameworks and an integrated audit system.
• Implement data quality assurance processes to identify and resolve data inconsistencies and issues.
• Establish data governance practices to maintain data accuracy, integrity, and security.
• Analyze data to derive meaningful insights that support data‑driven decision‑making.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders effectively.
• Serve as a technical authority in data engineering, staying updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior Data Engineers, fostering their professional development.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.

What You’ll Bring

• A relevant Bachelors or higher‑education degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields.
• 8-10+ years of experience in data engineering, with a proven track record of designing and implementing scalable, high‑performance data systems.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, or other relevant programming languages.
• Strong understanding of data warehousing concepts and cloud‑based data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Expertise in designing and implementing ETL processes, data modeling, and database management.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka) and data integration tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Significant experience in leading small teams of Data Engineers and fostering their professional growth.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and communicate technical solutions effectively.
• Ability to travel to other offices or client locations as needed.
• Fluency in English
• Client‑first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach

How you’ll grow

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in Canada, visit ZS Canada office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.