Role: Data Engineer
Employment: Full time
Hybrid: Once per week
Leeds/London/Sheffield/
SC Cleared or SC Eligible (Mandatory)
Job summary
This is a pivotal engineering role at the heart of one of the most significant data transformation programmes in UK public sector client. You will be joining a strategic engagement programme to design, build, and operationalise a cloud-native data lakehouse on Microsoft Azure Fabric.
This is with the UK's largest public service department, serving over 22 million citizens, and this platform will directly underpin data-driven decision-making at national scale.
You will take a leading role in the design and delivery of data pipelines, data transformation layers, and lakehouse infrastructure using Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, and related Azure-native technologies.
You will work in agile squads alongside architects, analysts, and DevOps engineers, contributing to private beta builds, public beta expansion, and full platform operationalisation.
Key responsibilities
Design, build, and optimise data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric (Data Factory, Dataflows Gen2) and Azure Data Factory to ingest data from legacy systems and third-party sources.
Develop and maintain the Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers of the lakehouse architecture using OneLake, Delta Lake, and Apache Spark within Fabric.
Implement data transformation logic using PySpark, SQL, and Fabric Notebooks; ensure data quality, lineage, and cataloguing via Microsoft Purview.
Collaborate with Technical Architects and Infrastructure Engineers to support CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and platform automation
Contribute to knowledge transfer workshops, running instructions, and documentation to build internal capability.
Support governance compliance including Digital Design Authority reviews, Red Lines Assessments, and security controls.
Essential requirements
Strong experience with Microsoft Azure Fabric (Lakehouses, Data Pipelines, Dataflows Gen2, Fabric Notebooks)
Strong experience with Azure Data Factory (ADF) for orchestration and data movement
Strong proficiency in PySpark, SQL, and Python for large-scale data transformation
Strong experience with Delta Lake, Apache Spark, and OneLake architecture
Good knowledge of Microsoft Purview for data governance, cataloguing, and lineage
Good experience with Azure DevOps, Git-based version control, and CI/CD pipelines
Good understanding of data lakehouse architecture (medallion architecture – Bronze/Silver/Gold)
Good knowledge of Azure storage services (ADLS Gen2, Azure Blob Storage
Nice to have skills
Experience with Azure Synapse Analytics or migration from Synapse to Fabric
Familiarity with Databricks or equivalent distributed processing platforms
Experience in UK public sector or government data environments
Understanding of SC clearance requirements and government security classifications
Knowledge of DDAT frameworks and GDS delivery standards
Qualifications
Relevant degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) – desirable
- Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer (DP-600) – desirable
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap 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, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation 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.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
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, state 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.











