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.