Python Developer

Job Title: Python Developer

Education: N/A

Location: Remote (Virtual) - US (Primary)

Career Level: Experienced (Non-Manager)

Category: Information Technology

Salary Grade:

Date Needed By:

Job Type: Full-time

Travel:

Reports to: IT Project Manager of Enterprise Solutions Line of Business

Subsidiary: Leisnoi Professional Services, LLC

The U.S. Census Bureau, Demographic Systems Division (DSD) requires support for Python development services in support of DSD's migration of survey processing systems from Statistical Analysis System (SAS) to Python.

The Python Developer will assist with the development and documentation of the rewrite of The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) production processing system into a Python codebase. The scope of the SIPP Production processing consists of 200+ edit programs. Additionally, a revamped SIPP system, named SIPP Seamless, is currently in its planning phase. Therefore, the work outlined is for supporting the ongoing SIPP production system and the SIPP Seamless system.

As DSD migrates its infrastructure into the cloud, a CI/CD tool is required. Therefore, DSD is creating a collaborative space in Git Lab for sharing Python code, where the developed code will reside, and pipelines can be established. The Git Lab CI/CD will then need configuration and optimization to emulate current automation for the system.

Additionally, DSD is investigating leveraging a database to replace datasets that have thousands of variables. Therefore, converting the current SAS datasets into a normalized database structure is also in scope. The database research will evaluate the feasibility of replacing datasets to determine optimizations and efficiencies. In the event the database replacement is ideal, the Python Developer will be involved in developing the database design for the SIPP Seamless system.

The scope of work for this position is to provide support to the Income Surveys Programming Branch (ISPB) in the Demographic Systems Division (DSD) for the development of a Python-based system for performing demographic survey editing. DSD needs expertise in developing enterprise, Python solutions from a developer that can effectively cross‑train existing staff based on their experience in advanced programming, knowledge of data structures, database experience, and version control familiarity.

The Python Developer will work with DSD IT Specialists in an integrated team environment when performing services associated with this contract.

The Python Developer will perform knowledge transfers and training to keep current staff abreast of all activities they have performed and to share knowledge of products and techniques. Additionally, all procedural and development work performed requires clear documentation that can be replicated by current and future staff. This includes clearly documenting and verbally communicating through step‑by‑step procedures, presentations, explanations of Python coding, configuration settings with rationale, shadowing, and other techniques deemed appropriate by current staff and/or management to ensure adequate knowledge transfer.

For technical demonstrations, the Python Developer will use a variety of skills and tools such as Python, SQL, PL/pgSQL, and Shell Scripting. For policy and procedural documentation, the contractor will create procedural documentation using software such as MS PowerPoint, MS Visio, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, and MS SharePoint.

• Assist DSD with the implementation of Python code solutions using efficient methodologies to utilize the language's strengths.
• Assist DSD in analyzing existing SAS-based system to glean functional requirements to develop optimized, Python-based solutions.
• Write high quality code that is well-documented and easy to read, use, and maintain.
• Use Python to read and reformat large datasets.
• Improve Python code performance.
• Ideally, have familiarity with SAS code.
• Ideally have familiarity with database designs that balance usability with functionality.
• Attend branch meetings and share technical knowledge clearly.
• Work with customers and subject matter experts to capture and…