Sr Data Engineer Lead

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative insurance firm is seeking a Senior Data Engineer Lead in York Region. You will shape and deliver enterprise-scale data solutions, define technical roadmaps, and develop robust data pipelines while mentoring team members. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience, strong proficiency in SQL, Python, and Snowflake, and will thrive in a collaborative environment. The role includes a competitive rewards package and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive rewards package

Career development opportunities

Corporate wellness programs

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience delivering over 10 high-impact data projects.
• 5+ years of Snowflake, dbtCore/Cloud, and AWS Cloud Technologies.
• Proficient in multiple programming languages including Python and SQL.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the data engineering strategy and standards.
• Lead the design and implementation of high-performance data pipelines.
• Mentor Data Engineers and foster a culture of engineering excellence.

Skills

Data pipeline development

Technical leadership

SQL coding

Python coding

Snowflake expertise

Data modeling

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Snowflake

dbt Core/Cloud

AWS Cloud

Terraform

Zena

AWS Managed Airflow

Job description

Overview

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

We are looking for a collaborative and resourceful Senior Data Engineer Lead for our IT Data Engineering Delivery team at Aviva Canada. You are dedicated, naturally inquisitive and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

This role will be part of and a member of our Information Technology Enterprise Data Services Group. You will be responsible for leading the architecture, high level and low-level solution engineering design, analysis, and implementation in a successful and experienced team. You’ll be required to apply your depth of knowledge and expertise with both modern and legacy data platforms to develop data ecosystems that will meet business requirements and align with Aviva’s enterprise architecture goals and standards. Aviva has embarked on an exciting journey to modernize, craft, and build a next generation data platform Snowflake to support the growing data needs of the business and to enable the capabilities of AI, and GenAI to drive business value.

We embrace a culture challenging the status quo and constantly look to efficiently simplify processes, technology, and workflow.

This role will be reporting into AVP, Data Engineering.

What you'll do

As a Senior Data Engineer Lead, you will be instrumental in shaping and delivering enterprise-scale data solutions. You’ll define the technical roadmap, drive data strategy, and lead the design and implementation of robust, scalable data pipelines. This role requires a strong blend of technical leadership, hands-on engineering, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Define and drive the data engineering strategy, standards, and best practices across the organization.
• Solution Design: Develop high-level and low-level solution architectures, ensuring alignment with business and technical goals.
• Data Pipeline Development: Lead the design and implementation of high-performance data pipelines using tools like dbt Core/Cloud, ensuring scalability and maintainability.
• Data Modeling: Design and review conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support business needs.
• Code Ownership: Write and maintain clean, reusable code in SQL, Python, Shell, and Terraform.
• Quality & Governance: Champion data quality, governance, and cataloging practices; create and review test plans to validate data solutions.
• Issue Resolution: Perform root cause analysis and implement effective solutions for complex data issues.
• Agile Delivery: Lead agile ceremonies, foster a delivery-focused mindset, and ensure timely execution of data initiatives.
• Mentorship: Guide and mentor Data Engineers and project team members, elevating team capabilities and engineering excellence.
• Collaboration: Work closely with architects, designers, QA engineers, and delivery teams to ensure cohesive and customer-centric data products.
• Documentation: Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation to support implementation and knowledge sharing.
• Talent Development: Contribute to hiring by designing technical challenges, conducting interviews, and supporting onboarding.

What you'll bring

• Extensive Experience:
  • 15+ years of professional experience delivering over 10 high-impact data projects from inception through warranty.
  • 5+ years of Snowflake, dbtCore/Cloud, and AWS Cloud Technologies.
  • 7+ years of experience with coding in multiple programming languages such as Python, Java, etc.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of relational databases (Snowflake, PostgreSQL, Amazon Aurora), big data platforms (Hadoop), and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
• Data Visualization Proficiency: Skilled in tools such as Snowsight,Streamlit,Qlik, andSAP BusinessObjectsto communicate insights effectively.
• Advanced Coding Skills: Expert-level proficiency inSQL,Python,Shell, andTerraform, with a strong focus on performance, reusability, and maintainability.
• Presentation & Communication: Strong technical and business presentation skills; able to identify and address gaps in data designs and processes with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Pipeline & Orchestration Tools: Hands-on experience with orchestration tools likeZenaandAWS Managed Airflow.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous, and high-pressure environments.
• Mentorship & Leadership: A track record of mentoring Data Engineers at all levels, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: Passion for solving real-world problems using data-driven insights to deliver impactful business outcomes.
• Collaborative Approach: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with insurance industry processes and systems is a strong asset.
• AI/ML & GenAI Exposure: Experience in operationalizing AI/ML & GenAI models is a plus.

Required Certifications (having 2 or more is an asset):

• SnowPRO Core,
• SnowPRO Advanced Data Engineer (DEA-C01, DEA-C02),
• SnowPro Advanced: Architect (ARA-C01),
• dbt Developer,
• AWS Cloud Practitioner

What you’ll get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Outstanding Career Development opportunities.
• We’ll support your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.
• Hybrid flexible work model.

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.

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