Sr. Data Engineer (Databricks/SQL)

Cognizant; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase

Job summary

Cognizant in Plano, TX is seeking a SME Forward-Deployed Data Engineer to build data products and AI-enabled platforms, collaborating with staff architects and stakeholders.

You will deliver production-grade pipelines, ensure data quality, governance, and automation, with hands-on experience in Databricks, Spark, PySpark, SQL, and Python.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years of hands-on experience in data engineering or related roles.
• Strong experience with Databricks, Apache Spark, PySpark, SQL, and Python.
• Experience building and supporting enterprise data pipelines and platforms.
• Familiarity with Delta Lake, Delta Live Tables, Unity Catalog.
• Experience with data quality controls, validation, and governance.
• Experience with cloud data platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• Knowledge of CI/CD, Git-based source control, and deployment automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy scalable ETL/ELT pipelines using Databricks, PySpark, Python, and SQL.
• Build and support Bronze, Silver, and Gold data layers with source-to-target mappings and data standards.
• Operate AI-enabled data engineering solutions to improve automation and productivity.
• Perform testing, validation, reconciliation, and deployment to ensure data accuracy.
• Support production operations, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to platform improvements.

Skills

Data engineering

Databricks

Apache Spark

PySpark

SQL

Python

CI/CD

Git

Azure

Data quality

Data governance

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Delta Lake

Delta Live Tables

Unity Catalog

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Data Engineering

About the role

As an SME (Subject Matter Expert), Forward-Deployed Data Engineering, you will make an impact by building, deploying, and supporting enterprise-scale data products and AI-enabled data platforms that power critical business outcomes. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI organization and work collaboratively with Staff Architects, engineers, data product teams, and business stakeholders to implement modern data pipelines, data quality frameworks, and intelligent automation solutions.

This is a hands‑on engineering role focused on delivering production‑grade solutions, supporting operational excellence, and continuously improving enterprise data platforms through automation, governance, and innovation.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and deploy scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, data transformations, and integration solutions using Databricks, PySpark, Python, and SQL.
• Build and support Bronze, Silver, and Gold data layers while implementing source‑to‑target mappings, data quality controls, and enterprise data standards.
• Operate and optimize AI‑enabled and agent‑driven data engineering solutions that improve platform productivity, automation, and operational effectiveness.
• Execute testing, validation, reconciliation, and deployment activities to ensure data accuracy, reliability, and business readiness.
• Support production operations by troubleshooting issues, performing root cause analysis, maintaining documentation, and contributing to continuous platform improvements.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible and support a healthy work‑life balance through our wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring work in a Cognizant or client office in Plano, TX.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 4-8 years of hands‑on experience in data engineering, data integration, or related technology roles.
• Strong experience with Databricks, Apache Spark, PySpark, SQL, and Python.
• Experience developing and supporting enterprise data pipelines and modern data platform solutions.
• Familiarity with Delta Lake, Delta Live Tables, and Unity Catalog concepts and capabilities.
• Experience implementing data quality controls, validation processes, reconciliation activities, and data governance standards.
• Experience working with cloud‑based data platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• Knowledge of CI/CD practices, Git‑based source control, and deployment automation.
• Experience supporting production environments, troubleshooting incidents, and resolving technical issues.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

These will help you stand out

• Experience with data quality and reconciliation tools such as ICEDQ or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with Generative AI‑assisted development tools, code generation platforms, or conversational AI technologies.
• Experience supporting enterprise data modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence platforms.
• Experience with automated testing, data validation frameworks, and release management processes.
• Exposure to AI‑driven operations, intelligent automation, and agent‑based data platform solutions.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until August 21, 2026

The annual salary for this position is between $115,000- $130,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.