Data Platform Lead

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

About the role

As a Data Platform Lead, you will make an impact by leading the strategy, implementation, modernization, and ongoing evolution of enterprise data platforms that support analytics, AI, and business-critical data initiatives. You will be a valued member of the Data & Analytics team and work collaboratively with business stakeholders, architects, governance teams, analytics leaders, security teams, and engineering partners to deliver scalable and reliable data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, enhancement, and operation of enterprise data platforms, including Databricks, cloud data services, integration frameworks, and storage technologies.
• Define and enforce platform standards, engineering best practices, security controls, and operational governance processes.
• Oversee the design and delivery of scalable data ingestion, transformation, orchestration, and data consumption pipelines.
• Partner with business, analytics, AI, governance, and architecture teams to prioritize and execute strategic platform initiatives.
• Drive platform reliability, scalability, performance, cost optimization, and modernization efforts, including migration from legacy data environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in data engineering, data platform leadership, or cloud data architecture roles.
• Hands-on experience with Databricks and modern cloud platforms such as Azure and/or AWS.
• Proven experience leading enterprise data modernization, migration, or transformation programs.
• Strong knowledge of data architecture, ETL/ELT frameworks, DataOps practices, data governance, and platform operations.
• Experience managing enterprise-scale data platforms focused on reliability, performance, security, and scalability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders across business and technology functions.

Skills

These will help you stand out:

• Experience with Snowflake and modern cloud-native analytics ecosystems.
• Expertise in data governance, lineage, auditability, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Experience building and scaling high-performing data engineering and platform operations teams.
• Strong understanding of AI, advanced analytics, and data product enablement strategies.
• Experience establishing platform SLAs, operational monitoring, and cloud cost management practices.
• Certifications in Databricks, AWS, Azure, or related cloud technologies.

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. This is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the USA. Regardless of your working arrangement, we support a healthy work-life balance through various wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project, business, or client requirements.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is between $119,000 and $135,000, 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

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan