Lead SAS/Python Developer (Contract/FTE

Accountabilities

• Provide technical leadership and hands-on development throughout SAS-to-Python migration, legacy system decommissioning, and modernization initiatives.

• Analyze complex business and technical requirements, define implementation strategies, and design scalable, reliable, and maintainable solutions.

• Assess, interpret, and migrate existing SAS programs, datasets, workflows, and analytical processes into Python-based environments.

• Develop, test, debug, and maintain high-quality Python applications, scripts, and data processing solutions using Anaconda and related technologies.

• Build and maintain Unix/Linux-based automation scripts and data pipelines, including scheduled processes using CRON.

• Establish and promote coding standards, development best practices, reusable patterns, and consistent approaches to software quality.

• Conduct code reviews and technical design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and guide developers on implementation decisions.

• Optimize applications and data workflows for performance, scalability, reliability, and long-term maintainability.

• Identify technical risks, migration dependencies, compatibility challenges, and implementation obstacles, driving issues through to resolution.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, source code repositories, and version control practices using Git.

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, developers, infrastructure teams, and other technical partners to align migration activities with business objectives.

• Serve as a technical point of contact for migration and development activities, supporting technical decisions and ensuring successful delivery from requirements through implementation.

Requirements:

• Significant senior-level software development experience, including demonstrated technical leadership in complex development, modernization, or migration initiatives.

• Strong hands-on proficiency in Python, including the Anaconda environment, along with solid experience in SAS and SQL.

• Proven ability to understand, interpret, troubleshoot, and modernize complex SAS programs, datasets, and analytical workflows.

• Experience working with relational databases and data platforms, particularly Netezza and Amazon Redshift.

• Strong Linux/Unix scripting skills and experience building automated data processing workflows.

• Familiarity with CRON scheduling and automation of recurring jobs and processes.

• Strong experience in unit testing, debugging, code optimization, performance tuning, and software quality assurance.

• Experience conducting code reviews, defining development standards, establishing reusable coding practices, and providing technical direction to other developers.

• Ability to take ownership of technical solutions throughout the full development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, and implementation.

• Excellent analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and deliver practical solutions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and recommendations clearly to both technical and business stakeholders.

• Proven ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, manage competing priorities, and maintain a strong focus on accuracy, maintainability, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to work remotely while coordinating effectively with teams operating on CST hours.

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity with GitHub and AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot.

• Working knowledge of SAS Enterprise Guide and JupyterHub.

• Previous experience leading or contributing to large-scale SAS-to-Python migration, legacy SAS decommissioning, or analytical platform modernization programs.

• Experience mentoring developers, coordinating technical implementation, and guiding teams through complex engineering challenges.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation, with specific salary details dependent on the role and employment arrangement.

• Flexible employment options, including contract and full-time opportunities.

• Fully remote work arrangement for candidates based in the United States or Canada who can support CST working hours.

• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

• Employee referral program.

• A flexible, dynamic, and diverse working environment.

• The opportunity to contribute to large-scale data modernization initiatives and work with experienced professionals on complex technical challenges.