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Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

You'll be designing, building, and maintaining sophisticated data solutions on Microsoft Azure and ... Like all engineering at Cloudforce, this is a team-oriented role -- you'll work alongside fellow ...

Cloud Engineer - Data

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

You'll be designing, building, and maintaining sophisticated data solutions on Microsoft Azure and ... Like all engineering at Cloudforce, this is a team-oriented role - you'll work alongside fellow ...

Cloud Engineer - Data

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

You'll be designing, building, and maintaining sophisticated data solutions on Microsoft Azure and ... Like all engineering at Cloudforce, this is a team-oriented role - you'll work alongside fellow ...

Cloud Engineer - Data

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

You'll be designing, building, and maintaining sophisticated data solutions on Microsoft Azure and ... Like all engineering at Cloudforce, this is a team-oriented role - you'll work alongside fellow ...

Be Seen First

The Data Engineer will provide end-to-end technical services, including designing and configuring ... Experience with Microsoft DevOps, or GitHub code management environment. * Experience or ...

New

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $155K/yr

Proficient in Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer, Azure DevOps, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Lake Gen 2, Azure DevOps, Unity Catalog and Git * Experience in coding languages ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $155K/yr

Proficient in Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer, Azure DevOps, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Lake Gen 2, Azure DevOps, Unity Catalog and Git * Experience in coding languages ...

Be Seen First

The Data Engineer will provide end-to-end technical services, including designing and configuring ... Experience with Microsoft DevOps, or GitHub code management environment. * Experience or ...

New

Schnabel is seeking a Data Engineer to join our team in Sterling, VA or Denver, CO. This role has ... Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure data services & MS Fabric * Experience designing ETL/ELT ...

Data Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

... Contract Interview Mode: In- Person Position Description: The Contractor shall assign a dedicated ... Microsoft DevOps, or GitHub code management environment. * Experience or certification in Azure ...

New

Schnabel is seeking a Data Engineer to join our team in Sterling, VA or Denver, CO. This role has ... Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure data services & MS Fabric * Experience designing ETL/ELT ...

Data Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$112K - $135K/yr

... Contract Interview Mode: In- Person Position Description: The Contractor shall assign a dedicated ... Microsoft DevOps, or GitHub code management environment. * Experience or certification in Azure ...

New

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Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$46K

$134.1K

$183.5K

How much do contract microsoft azure data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract microsoft azure data engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $134,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer?

Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, build, and manage data solutions using Microsoft Azure cloud services. They are responsible for developing data pipelines, integrating data from multiple sources, and ensuring data is stored securely and efficiently in the cloud. These engineers typically work with technologies like Azure Data Factory, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Databricks to support analytics and business intelligence needs. Their contract status means they may work for specific projects or short-term engagements rather than as permanent employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer, you need expertise in data modeling, ETL processes, SQL, and proficiency with Azure data services, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, and relevant Azure certifications (like Azure Data Engineer Associate) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and addressing evolving project requirements. These skills ensure efficient data solutions, seamless cloud integration, and successful project delivery in dynamic enterprise environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineers when joining new projects?

Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly understanding existing data architectures, adapting to varying data governance standards, and integrating with diverse client teams. Since contract roles are typically project-based, engineers must rapidly familiarize themselves with the organization’s Azure environment, security protocols, and workflow tools. Strong communication and a proactive approach to documentation help streamline collaboration with permanent team members, ensuring smooth project delivery despite tight timelines.

What is the difference between Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer vs Contract Data Engineer?

AspectContract Microsoft Azure Data EngineerContract Data Engineer
CertificationsAzure Data Engineer Associate, Azure certificationsGenerally no specific cloud certifications required
Work EnvironmentCloud-based, Azure platform-focusedOn-premises or cloud, various platforms
Industry UsageOrganizations using Microsoft AzureOrganizations using diverse data platforms
Job FocusDesigning, building, and maintaining Azure data solutionsDeveloping data pipelines and managing data workflows

The Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer primarily focuses on designing and implementing data solutions within the Azure cloud platform, often requiring specific Azure certifications. In contrast, a Contract Data Engineer may work across various environments, including on-premises or different cloud providers, with a broader scope of tools and platforms. The Azure Data Engineer role is ideal for those specializing in Microsoft Azure, while the Data Engineer role offers more flexibility across data environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Contract Microsoft Azure Data Engineer job openings:

SR Azure Data Factory- Remote

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$72 - $93.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Cognizant rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.). Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 1000, and the Fortune 500 and we are among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world.
This role does not support visa-dependent candidates, either now or in the foreseeable future.
Full time
Hybrid
Washington, DC
Azure Data Engineer / Azure Data Architect
Job Description
Location: Hybrid / Remote
Experience: 8+ Years
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Azure Data Engineer / Data Architect with strong expertise in designing, building, and optimizing enterprise-scale data platforms within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, SQL, Data Warehousing, and Modern Data Architecture patterns.
This role requires a combination of deep technical expertise, architectural leadership, and hands-on development capabilities to design scalable, governed, and high-performing data solutions supporting analytics, reporting, AI/ML, and business operations.
Key Responsibilities
Data Architecture & Platform Design
  • Design and develop scalable, secure, and reusable enterprise data architectures using Azure cloud technologies.
  • Define technical architecture standards, design patterns, and best practices for enterprise data platforms.
  • Build scalable Lakehouse architectures utilizing Azure Data Lake Storage and Azure Databricks.
  • Design and implement Medallion Architecture (Bronze, Silver, Gold Layers) for modern analytics platforms.
  • Create high-level solution designs, data models, architecture diagrams, and technical documentation.
  • Lead architecture reviews and provide technical governance across multiple projects.

Azure Databricks Development (Must Have)
Architecture & Administration
  • Design and manage Azure Databricks environments, clusters, compute resources, and workspaces.
  • Develop and maintain enterprise-scale Lakehouse solutions.
  • Implement Delta Lake architecture and optimize Delta Table performance.
  • Utilize Databricks Unity Catalog for enterprise-wide data governance and metadata management.
  • Configure and manage security, access controls, and data lineage capabilities.

Data Engineering
  • Develop PySpark-based ETL/ELT pipelines for large-scale structured and semi-structured datasets.
  • Read, transform, validate, and write data using Spark DataFrames and Delta Tables.
  • Implement data quality, audit, and reconciliation frameworks using SQL and PySpark.
  • Apply Databricks performance tuning and optimization techniques including:
    • Partitioning
    • Z-Ordering
    • Data Skipping
    • Caching
    • Auto Optimize
    • VACUUM & OPTIMIZE commands

Emerging Technologies
  • Stay current with Databricks innovations including:
    • Lakehouse Architecture
    • Lakeflow
    • Delta Live Tables
    • Unity Catalog
    • Databricks Genie
  • Exposure to AI/ML workloads and LLM-based implementations within Databricks environments is highly desirable.

Azure Data Factory (ADF)
  • Design and implement enterprise-grade ADF pipelines and orchestration frameworks.
  • Develop dynamic and metadata-driven data ingestion pipelines.
  • Build solutions to migrate data from on-premise applications and databases to Azure platforms.
  • Implement failure handling, monitoring, alerting, and notification frameworks.
  • Create parameterized reusable pipeline templates.
  • Develop scheduling, dependency management, and workflow orchestration mechanisms.
  • Implement Slowly Changing Dimension (SCD) Type 2 solutions using ADF, SQL, and Azure Databricks.

SQL & Data Processing
  • Design and optimize complex SQL solutions supporting enterprise reporting and analytics.
  • Utilize advanced SQL analytical functions and windowing functions.
  • Implement and optimize joins, aggregations, subqueries, Common Table Expressions (CTEs), and Self Joins.
  • Perform SQL performance tuning, indexing, query optimization, and execution plan analysis.
  • Develop reusable stored procedures, views, and database objects supporting enterprise applications.

Data Warehousing & Modeling
  • Design enterprise data warehouse solutions using industry-standard modeling techniques.
  • Develop:
    • Fact Tables
    • Dimension Tables
    • Slowly Changing Dimensions (Type 1, 2, and 3)
    • Aggregate Structures
  • Implement and maintain:
    • Star Schema
    • Snowflake Schema
    • Data Vault Models
    • Dimensional Models
  • Understand and apply normalization and denormalization strategies for OLTP and OLAP environments.

Governance & Best Practices
  • Establish and enforce enterprise data engineering standards and best practices.
  • Define governance models for data quality, metadata, lineage, and security.
  • Implement monitoring, auditing, and operational controls across the data platform.
  • Collaborate with security and governance teams to ensure compliance with enterprise standards.
  • Drive adoption of automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and release automation for data platforms.

Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with business stakeholders, enterprise architects, project managers, and development teams.
  • Provide architecture guidance, technical leadership, and solution recommendations.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and provide strategic recommendations for platform modernization.
  • Lead technical workshops, architecture reviews, and design discussions.

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in:
    • Computer Science
    • Information Systems
    • Engineering
    • Related Technical Discipline

Experience
  • 8+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or Enterprise Data Warehousing.
  • Proven experience designing and implementing Azure-based enterprise data platforms.
  • Strong understanding of large-scale data processing and cloud-native architectures.

Required Technical Skills
Azure Technologies
  • Azure Databricks
  • Azure Data Factory (ADF)
  • Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 (ADLS)
  • Azure Synapse Analytics
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure Functions
  • Azure Logic Apps

Data Engineering
  • PySpark
  • Spark SQL
  • Delta Lake
  • Unity Catalog
  • Delta Live Tables
  • ETL/ELT Design Patterns
  • Data Quality Frameworks

Database Technologies
  • SQL Server
  • Oracle
  • PostgreSQL

Programming
  • Python
  • SQL
  • PySpark

Data Warehousing
  • Dimensional Modeling
  • Star Schema
  • Snowflake Schema
  • Data Vault
  • Medallion Architecture
  • SCD Type 1/2/3

DevOps & Automation
  • Azure DevOps
  • CI/CD Pipelines
  • ARM Templates
  • PowerShell
  • Azure Automation
  • AZ Copy

Application Accepted: 8/20/2026
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
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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 la
Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, creativity, productivity, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We want someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft meaningful solutions through true collaboration.
If you are content with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we'd love to hear from you!
#LI-AV1#CB#Ind123
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] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

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