Job Title

Cloud Data Engineer (Azure)Fulltime, Permanent | Start Date: ASAP |Waterloo & Other Sites Closing Date: April 21, 2025 About KidsAbility:We are a not-for-profit, equal opportunity employer supporting over 17,000 children and youth to reach their social, physical, communication and behavioural goals each year. Providing early and exceptional family-centred services in the Waterloo and Guelph-Wellington regions, we believe that by living our values, our impact can be profound, and together, we can build brighter futures. Were looking for the right people to join our team; supporting children, youth, and families to realize their potential, while realizing your own. At KidsAbility, we offer: Ongoing training and development opportunities, empowering you to enhance your skillsA supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment dedicated to family-centred care Organizational commitment to innovation and research; continually evolving our approaches so we may serve with purpose and value Initiatives to support your well-being including social events, opportunities to give back to your community and access to Employee and Family Assistance Program Comprehensive benefits and optional group RRSP program, short- and long-term disability income protection benefits, and generous vacation package and paid personal leave daysAbout the Opportunity:The Cloud Data Engineer (Azure) is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing cloud-based data solutions using Microsoft Azure. This role involves ETL/ELT development, data modeling, and data pipeline orchestration using services like Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Data Lake. The ideal candidate has strong experience in data engineering, cloud technologies, data modeling concepts, and performance optimization to support analytical and reporting needs. Specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to: Ensure the security, performance, and scalability of Azure cloud environments and data solutions, optimizing Azure resources, and utilizing tools like Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Databricks to ensure performance and cost-efficiencyDevelop and optimize data ingestion and transformation processes from structured and unstructured sources.Automate data workflows using Azure Functions, Logic Apps, or Databricks.Implement incremental load strategies and CDC (Change Data Capture) mechanisms for real-time data updates.Implement parameterized and dynamic ETL pipelines using ADF for scalability and reusability.Design data models for Azure SQL Database, Synapse Analytics, and Data Lakes.Implement dimensional modeling (star/snowflake schema) for reporting and analytics use cases.Provide after-hours support for Infrastructure related emergencies, regular and occasional weekend maintenanceLead the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies, including security awareness training programs to educate staff on security best practices, phishing attacks, and data protection measuresOptimize query performance using partitioning, indexing, and caching techniques.Implement data governance best practices, including data cataloging, lineage tracking, and metadata management.Deploy and maintain CI/CD pipelines for data pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.Implement infrastructure as code (IaC) using Terraform, ARM templates, or Bicep.Monitor data pipelines using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights.Enforce data security best practices using RBAC, Managed Identities, and Data Masking.Ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 where applicable.Implement data encryption and access control policies for sensitive data.Set up monitoring and alerting for real-time data pipelines.Monitor and optimize Azure resource utilization to minimize cloud costs.Implement reserved instances and serverless architectures where applicable.Evaluate and integrate emerging AI-driven security tools, including Copilot (where applicable)Assist in the development of budgets for cloud infrastructure and security operations, providing input on cost estimates for Azure services, cybersecurity tools, licensing, and resource allocations to ensure alignment with organizational goals and financial constraintsEnsure compliance with industry standards and regulations such as PHIPPA, NIST, and CIS (Center for Internet Security) frameworksTroubleshoot and resolve issues related to cloud services, network connectivity, and automation workflows and provide after-hours support for infrastructure related emergencies, regular and occasional weekend maintenance.More About You:To qualify, applicants must have Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, along with a minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience with Azure cloud administration (including data lakes/warehouses), in addition to:Implement Cloud Data Platform architectures, ensuring scalability, security, and cost efficiency.Strong hands-on experience with Azure Data Factory (ADF), Synapse Analytics, and Data Lake Storage (ADLS Gen2), Key Vault.Proficiency in SQL, Python for data processing and transformationsIn-depth knowledge of Microsoft Azure services, including Virtual Machines, Storage, Networking, Azure Databricks, and Azure MonitorExperience with Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, or other NoSQL databases.Hands-on experience in data modeling, indexing, and query performance tuning.Experience working with big data processing frameworks such as Databricks or Spark.CI/CD experience (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions) to automate deployment and integration.PowerShell scripting for task automation.Strong understanding of cloud security best practices and risks (data breaches, malware, and social engineering) and regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., PHIPPA, CIS, NIST, ISO 27001) Excellent collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams, providing leadership in cloud security projects and the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment while providing or making sound decisions in emergenciesWorking knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server 2016/2019 deployment and management including Active Directory, Group Policies, and scripting (Powershell, Python)Experience with Microsoft 365 administration (e.g., Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams).Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.Possess a valid drivers license and have access to a reliable vehicle with public liability/property damage coverage..Certifications (Preferred):Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203)We invite applications from those interested in this position to submit a detailed cover letter and resume to Human Resources Recruitment. KidsAbility strives to create an accessible and inclusive application and selection process and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who may require provisions to participate in the selection process. Should any applicant require accommodation please contact Human Resources in advance for assistance. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are the core values of KidsAbility. We are a diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas that benefit our clients and the community. It is the policy of KidsAbility to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information or any other ground protected by applicable law. Please note that all prospective KidsAbility employees are subject to mandatory immunization requirements, including the full and ongoing COVID-19 vaccination, as a condition of obtaining and maintaining employment. We will make accommodations as directed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Health.