Principal Systems Programmer

Join AIR as aPrincipal SystemsProgrammer and use your experience and expertise to help us deliver on our mission: to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world for all. As a senior technical leader, you will drive innovation in data science, architect scalable programming solutions, and influence strategic decisions across AIR's health portfolio. This role is ideal for a seasoned expert who thrives on solving complex data challenges, mentoring high-performing teams, and contributing to impactful research that promotes equity and evidence-based policy.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR'sU.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

• The responsibilities for the position include:
• Serve as the principal architect for designing data systems to support AIR's health research projects, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and reproducibility.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the development of innovative data solutions, using tools such as Databricks;R (the R statistical programming language); Python; Stata; SAS (Statistical Analysis System); and Git within Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) environments, including the Integrated Data Repository (IDR), Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse (CCW), and Virtual Research Data Center (VRDC).
• Provide strategic oversight of data management and analytics pipelines, including governance, automation, and quality assurance.
• Design and implement advanced statistical programming methodologies for complex longitudinal, hierarchical, and multi-source datasets.
• Act as a senior advisor to project directors, statisticians, and clients on data strategy, analytic design, and technical feasibility.
• Spearhead the development of enterprise-wide programming standards, reusable assets, and documentation practices.
• Mentor and coach senior programmers and analysts, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Lead technical contributions to proposals, including conceptualizing analytic frameworks, developing budgets, and writing compelling technical narratives.
• Represent AIR in high-level client engagements, conferences, and professional forums, showcasing AIR's capabilities and thought leadership.
• Monitor emerging technologies and trends in data science and health analytics, recommending strategic investments and innovations.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Skills

Disclosures:Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an "@air.org" domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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