Senior Data Engineer, GFT

ODAIA; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution based in Canada is seeking a Lead Data Solutions Engineer. In this role, you will design and build scalable data-driven systems, lead technical direction, and partner with cross-functional teams to meet strategic needs. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in Java/Scala and big data tools, along with strong communication skills. This position offers a supportive environment committed to professional development and meaningful impact on business decisions.

Benefits

Total Rewards Program including bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years developing in Java/Scala.
• 3+ years hands‑on experience with big data tools (e.g. Apache Spark/Hadoop).
• Excellent communication skills—able to explain complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and review scalable data pipelines.
• Define best practices in data and ML engineering.
• Work closely with data scientists and business leaders.

Skills

Java/Scala

Apache Spark

Cloud Computing

Communication

Data Warehousing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Apache Hadoop

AWS

Azure

Job description

Job Description

Global Functions Technology (GFT) is part of RBC’s Technology and Operations division. GFT’s impact is far-reaching as we collaborate with partners from across the company to deliver innovative and transformative IT solutions. Our clients represent Risk, Finance, HR, CAO, Audit, Legal, Compliance, Financial Crime, Capital Markets, Personal and Commercial Banking and Wealth Management. We also lead the development of digital tools and platforms to enhance collaboration.

We’re seeking a Lead Data Solutions Engineer focused on building and scaling data-driven systems that enable advanced analytics, machine learning, and impactful business decisions. You will play a key role in shaping our next-generation trading decisioning and risk management platform, and lead by example in applying sound architectural thinking, engineering rigor, and technical mentorship.

What will you do?

• Lead by Doing: Design, build, and review scalable data pipelines, analytics platforms, and ML systems. This is a hands‑on role with end‑to‑end ownership, with significant time doing coding.
• Set Technical Direction: Define and promote best practices in data and ML engineering. Evaluate emerging technologies and guide adoption to drive innovation.
• Partner Cross‑Functionally: Work closely with data scientists, business leaders, and IT teams to understand needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Deliver at Scale: Ensure projects are executed with high quality, on time, and aligned with business goals. Proactively identify risks and enforce compliance standards, especially around data governance and security.

What do you need to succeed?

Must Have:

• 5+ years developing in Java/Scala
• 5+ years of experience in building high‑performance, backend applications with Spring/Spring Boot etc.
• 3+ years hands‑on experience with any of the big data tools (e.g. Apache Spark/Hadoop/AWS Glue/AWS EMR/Snowpark/Azure Databricks/Azure Data Factory)
• Excellent communication skills—able to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s or PhD preferred.

Nice to Have:

• Proven experience in cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, with knowledge of scalable architecture patterns.
• Familiarity with front‑end frameworks (e.g. React, Angular).

What’s in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high‑performing team
• A world‑class training program in financial services
• Opportunities to do challenging work
• Opportunities to take on progressively greater accountabilities
• Opportunities to building close relationships with clients
• Access to a variety of job opportunities across business and geographies

Job Skills

Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, Big Data Management, Cloud Computing, Communication, Database Development, Data Mining, Data Warehousing (DW), ETL Processing, Group Problem Solving, Java, Quality Management, Requirements Analysis, Spark SQL

Additional Job Details

• Address: 175 WESTERN PKY:BEDFORD
• City: Bedford
• Country: Canada
• Work hours/week: 37.5
• Employment Type: Full time
• Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS
• Job Type: Regular
• Pay Type: Salaried
• Posted Date: 2025-11-26
• Application Deadline: 2025-12-15
• Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

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Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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