Python Developer - (Systems Modernization)

Katmai

6h•$145,000 - $150,000•Remote

About The Position

Lead the modernization of core data processing systems by translating complex legacy SAS logic into robust, high-performance Python solutions. Build and maintain scalable data pipelines for large-scale datasets, ensuring data products are accurate, well documented, and optimized for a cloud-native environment. Work with DSD IT Specialists in an integrated team environment. The position involves analyzing SAS-based systems and re-implementing their logic in Python, developing end-to-end pipelines for diverse data formats, and improving performance through profiling, refactoring, and parallel computing. Python solutions will interface with PostgreSQL for high-volume data storage, retrieval, and processing. The role also establishes testing, data validation, and quality assurance practices; maintains readable, documented, and extensible code; and collaborates with DSD IT Specialists and stakeholders to meet requirements and modernize legacy systems. The position is full-time and expected to be remote, although onsite work may be required. Additional hours may be required to complete an assignment or project. Travel and driving are not required. The work includes extended periods of sitting and computer use, along with occasional physical activities such as walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting equipment weighing up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with applicable laws.

Requirements

Ability to read and interpret SAS code.
Experience with Parquet, SQL, JSON, and larger-than-memory datasets.
Experience with libraries such as PySpark, multiprocessing, and Dask, and with code profiling tools.
Experience in Linux environments and with cloud-native resources such as AWS.
Strong SQL skills, specifically PostgreSQL integration.
Experience with Git, unit testing, and technical documentation.
Experience using Python to read and reformat large data files.
Experience improving code performance through profiling and refactoring to identify bottlenecks and overhead, preferably in production environments.
Experience writing high-quality code that is well documented and easy to read, use, maintain, and extend.
Ability to perform basic Linux commands as an end user.
Experience in data validation in a statistical processing environment.
Must pass the Census Bureau Security Investigation/background investigation.
Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.

Nice To Haves

Five to seven years of related experience with back-end and front-end development, relational databases, and application development, or an equivalent combination of experience.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Experience in cloud computing, preferably Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Statistical Analysis System (SAS) programming experience.

Responsibilities

Analyze existing SAS-based systems and re-implement their logic in Python, maintaining functional parity while improving maintainability, scalability, and performance.
Design and develop end-to-end pipelines to ingest, clean, validate, and transform data in formats including SAS datasets, Parquet, JSON, and SQL, using larger-than-memory processing techniques.
Profile, optimize, and refactor code to eliminate bottlenecks and improve performance; use parallel computing strategies such as Dask and multiprocessing for production-scale workloads.
Develop Python solutions that interface with PostgreSQL for high-volume data storage, retrieval, and processing.
Implement automated testing, data validation, and quality assurance processes to preserve the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of data assets.
Produce well-documented, readable, maintainable, and extensible code; participate in peer reviews and knowledge sharing.
Collaborate with DSD IT Specialists and other stakeholders to implement scalable Python solutions that meet functional and technical requirements.
Work with DSD stakeholders to validate requirements, troubleshoot implementation issues, and support modernization of legacy systems.
Attend branch meetings and clearly communicate technical concepts, project updates, and recommendations.
Maintain regular communication with the team and regular, punctual attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.