Data Engineer

About Grand Challenges Canada

Grand Challenges Canada is a global impact-focused innovation platform supported by the Government of Canada and other partners. The organization invests in and helps scale innovative, locally led solutions that advance health, equity, and resilience in both low- and middle-income countries as well as Canada. They combine capital, advisory support, and strategic partnerships to grow and sustain solutions that integrate science, social insight, and business strategies to create real-world change.

Position Overview

As Grand Challenges Canada embarks on a digital transformation, the Data Engineer will play a crucial role in converting unstructured and disorganized data into structured, governed, and AI-ready assets. The incumbent will be the key architect of the Microsoft Fabric environment, responsible for cleaning, automating pipelines, and enforcing data governance to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, migrate, and unify disparate structured and unstructured data sources into Microsoft Fabric OneLake.
• Develop and maintain automation for ELT/ETL workflows using Data Factory and Spark Notebooks to remove manual bottlenecks.
• Implement data governance policies with Microsoft Purview by setting sensitivity classifications, tracking data lineage, and managing role-based access controls.
• Design and oversee Medallion architecture layers, progressing data from raw (Bronze) to cleaned (Silver) to business-ready (Gold) states.
• Enable AI readiness by ensuring datasets feeding AI models are accurate, deduplicated, and meet privacy compliance standards.
• Collaborate with business teams to map data flows across systems and automate data movement and preparation procedures.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years' experience in Data or Analytics Engineering; AI experience is advantageous.
• Proficient with Microsoft Fabric components including OneLake, Lakehouse, Data Factory, and Spark Notebooks, with at least one year of hands-on experience.
• Experience with Azure data platform technologies such as Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, or Databricks.
• Proven delivery of at least one comprehensive lakehouse or Medallion architecture implementation.
• Advanced skills in SQL and Python (particularly PySpark) for data transformation tasks.
• Know-how of Microsoft Purview or equivalent data governance and cataloging tools.
• Strong analytical abilities to transform complex, unstructured data into reliable, organized datasets.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for synthesizing and sharing information effectively.
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Microsoft certifications like DP-700, DP-600, or DP-203 are considered assets.
• Familiarity with Power BI semantic models to assist colleagues building reports and dashboards is a plus.

Diversity and Inclusion

Candidates from historically underrepresented groups and with lived experience in relevant thematic areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals whose experience may not cover every listed qualification should also consider applying, as diverse perspectives are valued.

Work Location and Conditions

• The role operates on a hybrid basis, combining time at MaRS Discovery Tower in Toronto and remote work.
• Candidates should reside in or near the Greater Toronto Area and be available to commute to the main office as required.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be expected.
• Candidates must have eligibility to work in Canada.
• Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the employee and will not be reimbursed.

Employee Benefits

• Health and dental insurance provided by Sunlife Canada starting on the first day of employment.
• Membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a defined-benefit pension plan.
• Four weeks of paid vacation annually, prorated as applicable.
• Four-day work week with Friday as a flexible day off, except during weeks with statutory holidays (subject to annual review).
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs and additional benefits including fitness, spa, travel discounts, and retail offers.
• International safety support through SOS (ISOS) for global travel.
• Allowance for personal device usage covering cell phone expenses.
• Professional development funds available.
• Temporary Work Relocation program permitting work remotely for up to 90 days worldwide.

Terms

• Start date: ASAP
• Position is full-time and permanent.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

The organization utilizes AI tools to assist in screening and evaluating applications to enhance recruitment efficiency. However, human decision-makers perform final hiring decisions. The use of AI complies with relevant human rights and privacy regulations. Applicants needing accommodations or with questions regarding AI in the recruitment process may contact HR.