Senior Data Engineer - Data & AI Practice
Versent
Software Engineering, Data Science
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
As a Senior Data Engineer, you’ll play a key role in designing, building and optimising scalable data solutions on modern cloud platforms, particularly Databricks and Snowflake.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who thrives in complex environments—comfortable owning end-to-end delivery, working autonomously, and partnering closely with both client-side engineers and internal teams to solve real-world data challenges.
You’ll bring strong technical judgement and the ability to navigate ambiguity, delivering high-quality solutions without close supervision while contributing to broader platform and architecture decisions.
Beyond core data engineering, you’ll also support the development of AI-enabled data products and workflows—building data assets that power insights, applications, and increasingly, automated and agent-driven experiences.
On a day to day;
Design, implement, and maintain scalable data ingestion, transformation, orchestration and observability solutions.
Develop batch and streaming pipelines to support analytics, BI, data products, and API integrations.
Execute and optimise queries, transformations, and models across Databricks and Snowflake environments.
Translate solution designs into production-ready data structures, with attention to performance, reliability, maintainability, and testability.
Collaborate with colleagues as well as work directly with client-side engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and align implementation decisions.
Analyse complex data issues, perform root-cause investigation, and deliver durable remediation outcomes.
Write unit, integration, and data quality tests, and produce clear technical documentation for standards, lineage, and operational support.
Contribute to code reviews, technical discussions, and engineering standards without assuming formal line-management responsibility.
Use AI-assisted and agentic workflows to improve productivity in analysis, development, testing, and documentation, while applying strong engineering judgment and validating outputs before release.
Support delivery planning and estimation through technical input and realistic assessment of complexity and risk.
What you’ll bring
5+ years’ experience in data engineering or software engineering
Proven experience delivering solutions on Databricks and/or Snowflake
Strong SQL + Python/PySpark skills, with a focus on scalable data pipelines
Hands-on with ETL/ELT, orchestration and modern data platforms
Experience with tools like Airflow, dbt, Kafka (or similar)
Solid understanding of data modelling, governance, and data quality
Comfortable working in client-facing or consulting environments
Strong communication skills and the ability to influence technical stakeholders
Pragmatic approach to CI/CD and engineering best practices
Interest in how data platforms support analytics, BI and AI use cases
Nice to have (highly regarded)
Databricks Data Engineer Professional and/or Snowflake SnowPro Core certifications
Requirements for this role;
Must be Melbourne-based, with the ability to work on-site with clients as required (typically a couple of days per week)
Must hold an active NV1 Security Clearance or be eligible to obtain one
Must be an Australian Citizen (due to clearance requirements)
Life at Versent
We're a diverse team of motivated humans who think outside the box and strive to deliver what others might consider impossible. At Versent we truly care about our people and put real focus on cultivating a culture of learning, collaboration and growth. We provide our teams with the space, trust, and support, to deliver the best work of their careers. To enable this, we have a culture that places a high value on continual feedback, excellence, and invention anchored in customer success.
We also offer our team:
Flexibility: We give you the freedom to excel, providing as much autonomy and flexibility around when you work so you can manage your time in a way that best suits you to get the job done.
Learning: We are passionate about continuous improvement and care about you investing in and developing your craft. Our Craft 180 Program is a holistic strategy for ongoing, meaningful skill and capability development with an ultimate goal to create an environment where people can learn and contribute in different ways to develop, practice and become masters of their craft.
Access to Benefits That Fit Your Life: From salary packaging and purchased leave to novated leasing options, we offer a range of benefits designed to suit different lifestyles and priorities. There’s something for everyone.
Health & Wellbeing Programmes: We focus on you as a whole person, with wellbeing initiatives that are to support you mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.
Connection: Regular social activities across your team and the organisation.
Recognition: We offer several reward & recognition programmes to acknowledge the amazing work that you do!
Career opportunity: We provide the opportunity to work on diverse projects and initiatives that enable you to create a brilliant career.
At Versent, we don't adhere to a one-size-fits-all hiring strategy. We understand that you might not fulfill all the criteria for this position. Our celebration of diverse perspectives isn't just a value, it's a way to gain an edge. If you believe this opportunity is where you can thrive, don't be shy and apply!
If you require any accommodations throughout the interview process, please get in touch with us by emailing careers@versent.com.au.