Sr. Power BI Developer -Backend & Semantic Modelling

Title: Sr. Power BI Developer -Backend & Semantic Modelling Location: North York, ON - Hybrid(Mon, Tue, Thu in office) Duration: 12 Months Overview Senior Power BI Developer – Backend & Semantic Modelling Overview We are looking for a Senior Power BI Developer with deep backend engineering expertise to design and deliver production-grade semantic models and datasets that power Finance reporting at scale. This role is centered on data modelling, DAX, performance optimization, and scalable semantic model architecture .

This is not a front-end reporting role. Candidates whose strength is primarily visuals, dashboards, or report layout — without strong data modelling and DAX depth — will not be a fit. Key Responsibilities Design and implement robust Power BI datasets and semantic models using sound modelling patterns (star schema, role-playing dimensions, calculation groups, aggregations, composite models, incremental refresh) Develop advanced DAX logic for complex calculations (variance, allocations, time intelligence, forecasting), with attention to query plans and storage engine vs. formula engine behavior Build scalable, reusable shared/certified datasets aligned to single source of truth principles Integrate and transform data from ERP systems, Excel, and enterprise datasets using Power Query, with query folding where possible Optimize model size, cardinality, refresh strategy, and partitioning for large datasets Implement row-level security (RLS) and, where required, object-level security (OLS) Manage solution lifecycle using deployment pipelines, workspace governance, and source control (Git integration with Power BI Projects / .pbip, XMLA endpoint usage) Troubleshoot data, model design, and performance bottlenecks using tools like DAX Studio and Tabular Editor Support validation, UAT, and release readiness from a technical standpoint Stay current with Power BI and Microsoft Fabric platform capabilities and apply new features to improve delivery Qualifications & Experience Technical Skills (Required) Advanced hands-on Power BI expertise focused on data modelling, DAX, and semantic model design Proven experience designing star schemas, calculation groups, aggregations, and composite models Strong DAX optimization skills — comfortable using DAX Studio and Tabular Editor; understands VertiPaq, query plans, and engine behavior Experience tuning model size, cardinality, refresh, and partitioning for large datasets Strong SQL skills for querying, validating, and preparing data for reporting Experience working with large datasets and multiple data sources (ERP systems, Excel, enterprise platforms) Hands-on experience with deployment pipelines, workspace governance, RLS/OLS, and source control (Power BI Projects / .pbip, Git, XMLA endpoint) Backend Mindset (Critical) Experience delivering end-to-end, production-grade semantic models Treats the semantic model as a product — reusable, governed, and reliable Strong focus on data modelling and solution architecture , not just visuals Ability to design models that support multiple reporting use cases Continuous Learning Actively stays current with Power BI and Microsoft Fabric advancements Applies new features and capabilities to improve solution quality Soft Skills Able to communicate technical decisions clearly to technical and non-technical audiences Strong ownership mindset with focus on delivery and outcomes Nice to Have Exposure to Finance reporting concepts (month-end, forecast, budgeting) — helpful, but not required Ability to read and trace data transformations in Azure Databricks / DBSQL upstream of Power BI Familiarity with enterprise data platforms and pipelines supporting Power BI semantic models Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric (Lakehouse, Direct Lake, OneLake) About the Role This role is best suited for someone who: Thinks like a backend engineer , not a report developer Treats semantic models as products Is hands-on technically and takes pride in solutions that perform reliably in production Not a Fit If You… Are primarily a report or visual designer Rely on others to build the underlying data model Have not written complex DAX or tuned model performance Are looking for a Business Analyst or Functional Consultant role