Student, Data Engineer (Winter and Summer 2027)

Sun Life Financial; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 39,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Sun Life Financial seeks a passionate data engineering and architecture student for an 8-month term across Winter and Summer 2027. You will work with our Enterprise Data Architecture team to shape governance, structure, and preparation of data for AI initiatives across Canada.

You will gain hands-on experience alongside senior data architects, contributing to the AI-Ready Data Factory, metadata management, and innovative data platforms while developing essential skills in modern data

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student with graduation date Aug 2027 or later.
• Strong fundamentals in software engineering.
• Understanding of modern data architecture principles and practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the AI-Ready Data Factory: data acquisition, canonical modelling, metadata management, retrieval, governed AI consumption.
• Support data architecture research, prototyping, testing, and documentation.
• Help define and improve reusable data architecture patterns, standards, and best practices.
• Support enterprise data architecture governance and review processes.
• Assist with Enterprise Architecture (ATG) processes by coordinating reviews.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and business stakeholders on AI-ready data initiatives.
• Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge-sharing across the team.

Skills

Python programming

SQL

Data modelling

Git

API development

Lakehouse

AI & LLM concepts

AI-assisted tools

Analytical thinking

Education

Upper year undergrad / Master's / PhD in CS/DS/Mathematics/ Physics/ Engineering

Strong software engineering fundamentals

Tools

GitHub

VS Code

Job description

At Sun Life,we’redriven by our Purpose: helping our Clientsachieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful. Our student and new graduate programs offer a chance to explore Sun Life from the inside. You’ll make a difference in the lives of our customers and communities, while building the skills and experience that allow you to grow in a meaningful and rewarding way.

Job Description

8 month term (Winter and Summer 2027) Data Engineering & Architecture

As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for Quebec only for the frequent interactions with English and French‑speaking colleagues or internal partners across Canada or worldwide.

Join Sun Life's Enterprise Data Architecture team and help shape how enterprise data is governed, structured, and prepared for AI.

Working alongside senior data architects, you will contribute to the AI-Ready Data Factory and gain hands‑on experience in modern data architecture, metadata, governance, and AI-enabled data platforms.

Preferred Skills

• Python programming
• SQL and database querying
• Data modelling and metadata management
• Git and API development experience
• Understanding of lakehouse and modern data platforms
• Knowledge of AI, LLMs, embeddings, vector search, and RAG concepts
• Experience with AI‑assisted software engineering tools (VS Code, GitHub, coding agents)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

Qualifications

• Upper year undergraduate or Master's or PhD student in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field with a graduation date of August 2027 or later
• Strong software engineering fundamentals
• Understanding of modern data architecture principles and practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn new technologies

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the AI-Ready Data Factory, including data acquisition, canonical modelling, metadata management, retrieval, and governed AI consumption
• Support data architecture research, prototyping, testing, and documentation activities
• Help define and improve reusable data architecture patterns, standards, and best practices
• Support enterprise data architecture governance and review processes
• Assist with the Enterprise Architecture (ATG) process by coordinating and tracking architecture reviews
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and business stakeholders on AI‑ready data initiatives
• Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge‑sharing activities across the team

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted for. The Base Pay which you will be considered for will vary depending on the Campus program you are selected for. Eligible Sun Life employees for various Campus Graduate programs will also participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e‑mail a request to [e-mail].

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients, and you. We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling. We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Culture

Shine together At Sun Life, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you – and your career – can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

Make life brighter We’re a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. As a team of 30,000 across 26 countries, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant.

There’s power in numbers. As part of Sun Life’s growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world. Shape the future With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sun Life, we’re driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter.

Join a top employer for a brighter future.