Backend API Engineer / Data Engineer
About the role
As a Backend API Engineer / Data Engineer, you will make an impact by designing and building scalable, event-driven backend services that power enterprise-grade data integration platforms. You will be a valued member of the engineering team and collaborate closely with application, platform, and integration teams to enable seamless data orchestration, validation, and routing across systems.
In this role, you will:
- Design and develop internal RESTful and event-driven APIs to support enterprise data processing workflows
- Build backend services to validate, transform, and enrich incoming data while orchestrating routing across systems
- Develop file-based ingestion pipelines, including parsing complex files, splitting records, and distributing workloads to downstream systems
- Implement scalable, asynchronous processing using Kafka or similar event streaming platforms
- Integrate backend services with databases, internal platforms, and external APIs
- Ensure high performance and reliability through robust logging, monitoring, error handling, and secure API design
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define API contracts, event schemas, and deployment strategies
- Create and maintain technical documentation to support operational excellence and knowledge sharing
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a Cognizant or client office in Toronto, Canada.
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
- Strong experience in backend API development using Java or .NET
- Proven experience building REST APIs and event-driven architectures
- Hands-on expertise with Kafka or similar event streaming technologies
- Solid understanding of data processing patterns, including validation, transformation, and orchestration
- Experience designing and working with distributed systems and scalable backend architectures
- Experience integrating with databases and enterprise systems
- Familiarity with file-based ingestion and data pipeline processing
- Understanding of API security, versioning, and contract design
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
These will help you stand out
- Experience working with Azure (preferred) or AWS cloud platforms
- Exposure to enterprise integration patterns and middleware frameworks
- Familiarity with observability tools, including monitoring and logging frameworks
- Experience working in Agile or iterative delivery environments
We’re excited to meet people who share our passion for building scalable, reliable, and impactful data platforms. Don’t hesitate to apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement. Your transferable skills and unique experiences may make you a great fit for this role.
Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until June 13, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between 67,000 - 107,000 CAD 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
· Long-term/Short-term Disability
· Paid Parental Leave
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.
What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
