Senior AWS Data Engineer

Adastra Group; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Adastra is seeking a Lead AWS Data Engineer to design and implement secure, scalable AWS data solutions for an institutional investment client. The role emphasizes data lake technologies, governance, and enterprise-grade data platforms.

The position is a 3-month contract with hybrid onsite work (3 days on site). Collaboration with data, cloud, and AI teams will deliver reliable data platforms supporting critical functions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing and implementing AWS data solutions.
• Experience with AWS Lake Formation, Glue Data Catalog and Athena.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data engineering solutions on AWS.
• Build and manage data lakes using AWS Lake Formation, Glue Data Catalog, Iceberg and Athena.
• Implement fine-grained data access controls (LF-Tags, row/column security).
• Develop pipelines with Python and PySpark; write complex SQL queries.

Skills

AWS Data Engineering

Python

PySpark

SQL

Data Governance

Security & LF-Tags

Terraform

Tools

AWS Lake Formation

AWS Glue Data Catalog

Amazon Athena

Apache Iceberg

Terraform IaC

Job description

Overview

Lead AWS Data Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Lead AWS Data Engineer to join a data enablement and AI-focused initiative supporting a leading global institutional investment organization. The role will be responsible for designing and implementing secure, scalable, and governed AWS data solutions, with a strong focus on modern data lake technologies, fine-grained data access controls, and enterprise data engineering best practices. The successful candidate will work closely with data, cloud, and AI teams to deliver reliable data platforms that support critical investment and business functions

Primary Location: New York City/ Toronto

Work Model: Hybrid – 3-Days Onsite

Employment Type: Contract – 3 Months

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data engineering solutions on AWS
• Build and manage data lakes using AWS Lake Formation, AWS Glue Data Catalog, Apache Iceberg, and Amazon Athena
• Implement fine-grained data access controls including LF-Tags, row-level security, column-level security, and data filtering
• Develop, optimize, and maintain data processing pipelines using Python and PySpark
• Write complex and efficient SQL queries for data transformation, analysis, and validation
• Configure and manage Amazon Athena Workgroups and related data access mechanisms
• Use Terraform to automate infrastructure provisioning and management following Infrastructure-as-Code best practices
• Collaborate with data, cloud, and AI teams to deliver secure and reliable enterprise data solutions
• Apply best practices for data governance, security, scalability, performance, and maintainability
• Troubleshoot and optimize data platforms and pipelines to ensure reliability and performance

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience as a Data Engineer with strong hands-on experience designing and implementing AWS data solutions
• Strong experience with AWS Lake Formation, AWS Glue Data Catalog, and Amazon Athena
• Hands-on experience building and managing modern cloud-based data lakes
• Strong knowledge of Apache Iceberg and modern data lake architectures
• Demonstrated experience implementing fine-grained data access controls, including LF-Tags, row-level security, column-level security, and data filtering
• Strong programming skills in Python and PySpark
• Advanced SQL skills, including complex data transformation and analytical queries
• Hands-on experience with Amazon Athena Workgroups and data access mechanisms
• Strong experience with Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code practices
• Experience designing secure, scalable, and governed enterprise data platforms
• Strong understanding of data governance, security, performance, and maintainability best practices
• Ability to collaborate effectively with data engineering, cloud, AI, and other cross-functional teams

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience working in financial services, investment management, or other highly regulated enterprise environments
• Experience supporting data and AI-focused initiatives
• Experience with additional AWS analytics and data services
• Experience working with enterprise data governance frameworks
• Previous experience in a technical lead or senior engineering capacity

ABOUT ADASTRA

Adastra is a global leader in AI and data-driven transformation, helping organizations lead with artificial intelligence—responsibly, strategically, and at scale. With over 25 years of experience, Adastra empowers enterprise clients to unlock business value through data innovation, operational excellence, and smart customer engagement.

Trusted by some of the world’s most prominent brands, Adastra delivers end-to-end solutions grounded in thoughtful strategy, robust governance, and deep technical expertise. From defining vision to ensuring execution, Adastra guides organizations through every stage of their AI, data and cloud journey—building future-ready capabilities and delivering measurable, lasting impact.

Adastra serves clients across key industries including financial services, automotive, manufacturing, technology, media and telecom (TMT), healthcare, retail, and professional services. The company employs more than 2,000 professionals across North America, Europe, and Asia.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Successful referral program
• The opportunity to work with one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies
• Satisfaction of working for a reputable company
• A flexible, dynamic, and diverse workplace

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

In our commitment to promote fair and equitable treatment of all employees and applicants, Adastra Corporation provides equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other ground as described in the Ontario Human Rights Code. In addition, accommodation will be provided during the hiring process. Adastra Corporation’s implementation and support of employment initiatives, encourage diversified labour force participation and equal access to opportunities based on merit and performance.