Data Platform Engineer
Summary
Senior backend platform engineer building a high-throughput financial analytics application (EMFI) using Python/FastAPI microservices and Snowflake, with end-to-end ownership of features from API design to cloud deployment—hybrid in Toronto.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Senior Backend Data Platform Engineer (10+ years experience) to design, build, and maintain our EMFI Data Application Platform, a high-throughput financial analytics application.
Note: This is primarily a Backend Platform Engineering (Python) role with strong data development capabilities—not a traditional heavy Data Pipeline/ETL role. Candidates will be evaluated on core backend architecture, Python, and microservices proficiency first.
Workplace Type & Location: Hybrid (3 days/week Onsite in Toronto, ON). Candidates must reside in or near the Greater Toronto Area.
Key Responsibilities
- Backend & API Development: Design and deploy scalable microservices using FastAPI. Implement robust RESTful API endpoints, ensuring clear API contracts versioned and documented via OpenAPI/Swagger.
- Snowflake Data Platform: Develop Snowflake-native applications utilizing Snowpark (Python), stored procedures, tasks, streams, and dynamic tables to power backend day-end processing engines.
- Database Optimization: Write and optimize complex SQL queries against Snowflake and PostgreSQL for reporting, aggregation, and analytical engines.
- End-to-End Ownership: Own end-to-end feature delivery-from initial requirements gathering and API contract definition to implementation, automated testing, and cloud deployment.
- Security & Architecture: Implement microservices patterns (service discovery, distributed tracing, async processing) and ensure platform security aligned with OWASP Top 10, role-based access control (RBAC), and OAuth2/JWT.
Requirements & Technical Qualifications
- Experience: 10+ years of professional backend platform development experience delivering production-grade applications.
- Core Backend: Mastery of Python, async FastAPI patterns, microservices architecture, and Pydantic-based data validation.
- Snowflake Expertise: Hands-on experience building Snowflake-native engines, utilizing Snowpark, Tasks, Streams, Dynamic Tables, and Stored Procedures.
- Database & APIs: Advanced SQL capabilities (Snowflake/PostgreSQL), strong REST API design, and OpenAPI specifications.
- DevOps & Cloud: Hands-on with Docker/Docker Compose, Git workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and general cloud platform environments (AWS/Azure/GCP).
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
- Industry Experience: Prior experience in Payments, Fintech, or Financial Services is a strong asset.