Senior Python & SAS Developer; Data Modernization

Job Description

Light Front is seeking a Senior Python & SAS Developer (Data Modernization) to support a long-term Census contract. This role will focus on modernizing legacy federal statistical and survey processing workflows by translating existing logic into scalable Python-based solutions using tools such as pandas, PySpark, and modern data architecture patterns.

This is a backend/data modernization role, not a traditional web application role. The developer will support legacy system analysis, backend data processing, database logic optimization, ETL and batch workflows, and cloud-based processing patterns. The work requires someone who is comfortable stepping into established systems, understanding how existing workflows operate, and carefully translating that logic into cleaner, more maintainable solutions without disrupting current operations.

This role will be hired initially as a 1099 contractor under Light Front, a joint venture between Illumen Group and Spatial Front, Inc. (SFI), with the potential to convert to full-time employment in the new fiscal year. The role is remote after onboarding, but the selected candidate must report to the Census office in Maryland to retrieve equipment and complete PIV-related onboarding.

If the candidate is not local, reimbursable travel will be coordinated after onboarding begins.

Clearance / eligibility:

Candidates must be U.S. Citizens due to federal contract requirements and must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. The clearance process typically takes 6–8 weeks, and candidates must be comfortable with that process and timeline before moving forward. The selected candidate will also need to report to the Census office in Maryland for equipment and PIV pickup after onboarding has started.

Travel costs will be reimbursed for non-local candidates.

• Telecommuting is OK
• Agencies are OK

The ideal candidate will have a strong Python background, with at least 4 years of experience in data processing, backend systems, or similar technical environments. This role requires someone who has worked with legacy systems and can translate existing business or data logic into Python-based solutions using tools such as pandas, PySpark, or similar libraries. Candidates should be comfortable working through unclear, messy, or long-standing workflows where the first step is understanding the current logic before rewriting anything.

Candidates should also have at least 4 years of database experience, including writing, refactoring, or optimizing stored procedures, backend logic, and complex SQL. Experience with PostgreSQL, PL/pgSQL, Oracle PL/SQL, or similar database environments is important. The role also requires experience with data pipelines, batch processing, ETL workflows, job orchestration, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.

AWS experience is also needed, ideally with services such as Lambda, SQS, SNS, IAM, or similar cloud services used in backend or data workflow environments. Linux experience is required, as the role will involve working in Linux-based development and processing environments. Experience with serverless architecture, Docker, Kubernetes, PySpark, R, or hands‑on Base SAS production workflows is helpful, but not required.

The strongest fit will be someone who has worked with legacy data systems, can translate existing logic rather than only build new features, is comfortable operating in less structured environments, and can balance support for older systems with modern Python, database, and cloud-based workflows.