Senior Application Developer

Overview

Edgewater Federal Solutions is seeking a Senior Applications Developer to support our federal client. The successful candidate will play a critical role in modernizing the technical infrastructure supporting the Board’s monthly statistical release. This position will work closely with economists, analysts, data engineers, and contractor personnel to transition legacy systems and processes from applications and databases to modern programming languages, data architectures, and automation frameworks.

The role requires a strong combination of software development expertise, data engineering capabilities, analytical problem‑solving, and a commitment to operational excellence in a highly visible production environment.
The work is performed onsite in Washington, DC without the option of remote or hybrid work.

Application Development & Modernization

• Design, develop, and maintain applications, scripts, and data processes supporting statistical release.
• Modernize legacy based code and infrastructure using contemporary technologies including Python, R, SQL-based platforms, and emerging data engineering tools.
• Develop scalable, maintainable, and reliable software solutions supporting production and research activities.
• Translate detailed system designs and business requirements into functional software components and automated workflows.

Systems Analysis & Software Engineering

• Analyze complex system requirements and recommend effective technical solutions.
• Design software tools, reusable components, and subsystems supporting application modernization and long‑term maintainability.
• Develop system documentation, architecture diagrams, process flows, and technical specifications.
• Utilize structured software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, formal specifications, and accepted design practices.

Database & Data Management

• Design, maintain, and optimize databases and data structures supporting production and analytical environments.
• Develop and maintain efficient data pipelines, validation routines, and reporting processes.
• Work with SQL databases, DuckDB, and other data management technologies to improve accessibility and performance.
• Ensure data integrity, reliability, and reproducibility throughout the modernization effort.

Testing, Quality Assurance & Configuration Management

• Perform software testing, debugging, validation, and performance tuning.
• Review existing code and applications, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.
• Support software configuration management and version control best practices.
• Develop and maintain technical and end‑user documentation.

Collaboration & Operational Support

• Partner closely with stakeholders, IO Section staff, and external contractors to achieve modernization objectives.
• Coordinate with Board IT organizations and the Public Information Office to support file transfers, validation activities, and production release requirements.
• Support monthly production operations while ensuring continuity during technology transitions.
• Provide clear written and verbal communication regarding project progress, risks, and recommendations.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate and leverage emerging technologies, including AI‑assisted development tools, where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the adoption of modern software engineering and data management practices.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Economics, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Programmer Analyst, Applications Developer, Software Engineer, or related technical role.
• Requires U.S. citizenship.
• Demonstrated experience developing software solutions using established Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies.
• Strong programming experience with Python, R, or other modern programming languages.
• Experience analyzing and designing software systems and translating business requirements into technical solutions.
• Experience creating technical documentation, process flows,…